Most people are under the impression that they need to use a lot of toothpaste to achieve good oral health. This is mainly caused by the hundreds of commercials that show a toothbrush with its bristles completely covered in toothpaste.
However, not everything shown on TV is true. This is the case for toothpaste commercials. In reality, the right amount of toothpaste is way less than expected.
We'll explain in this article how much toothpaste you should use and why.
Can you use too much toothpaste?
It is essential to use only the right amount of toothpaste while brushing. Otherwise, using too much could harm the teeth, especially in young children.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has published guidelines for toothpaste usage. Furthermore, they are backed by numerous scientific research.
The main cause for these guidelines is the fluoride content within toothpaste. Excess fluoride can have a negative impact on health.
The ADA recommended dosage for children up to 3 years old is a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Children between 3-6 years old should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
However, children under 6 years old must use kid's toothpaste. These contain less fluoride (500-550 ppm) to avoid side effects.
Adults and children past 6 years old should also use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. However, they should use regular toothpaste containing 1000-1500 ppm of fluoride.
What happens if you put too much toothpaste on your teeth?
For children under 6, too much toothpaste can lead to a condition known as fluorosis. This affects the development of their permanent teeth and creates stains and spots on the enamel.
On the contrary, adults can't develop fluorosis once their permanent tooth has erupted. However, toothpaste contains abrasive agents. Therefore, too much toothpaste could help wear down the teeth faster.
Do you need a lot of toothpaste to brush your teeth?
No, the recommended dosage is enough. A small dose of toothpaste with a good brushing technique is enough to keep your teeth healthy. Using a lot of toothpaste could lead to undesired side effects.
The best way to maintain a healthy smile is by using the amount of toothpaste recommended by the ADA and other tools, such as an electric toothbrush and floss. A high-quality electric toothbrush, such as the Oclean Flow Sonic Electric Toothbrush, in combination with the right amount of toothpaste, can improve your oral health and prevent any harmful side effects.
This toothbrush comes with 5 different brushing modes to ensure that your teeth stay clean and healthy.
*Cover image from Freepik@antoniogravante and @roserodionova, we will delete it if constitutes infringement *
