How Much Toothpaste Should You Use?
It is recommended that adults, and children over the age of three, use a pea-sized portion of toothpaste when brushing their teeth. However, it is recommended that children under the age of three only use a grain-sized amount of toothpaste.
It is recommended to brush your teeth twice daily, according to the American Dental Association. Dentists also recommend selecting a toothpaste with a flavorful taste to enhance the overall experience of your oral hygiene routine.
What Happens If You Use Too Much Toothpaste?
Using an excessive amount of toothpaste is generally unnecessary and wasteful. Whether you use a large glob or just a pea-sized amount, the effectiveness in cleaning your teeth remains the same. Using too much toothpaste can result in more frequent purchasing, higher costs, and increased waste production.
It is important to be aware that using too much toothpaste can have negative effects in certain cases. When it comes to young children, there are two specific reasons for restricting the amount of toothpaste they use:
Swallowing
One major concern is the potential harm from consuming certain ingredients found in popular toothpaste brands. Once children turn 6 years old, they develop the ability to prevent accidental ingestion of toothpaste by swallowing reflex. This is why according to the CDC, children can safely use a larger amount of toothpaste starting at age 6.
Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is a condition that results in white marks on teeth that are still growing. This usually happens when children are exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride while their teeth are still developing. This can be due to high levels of fluoride in the water supply or from using too much fluoride toothpaste.
Choosing a toothpaste with Hydroxyapatite, a natural anti-cavity agent found in our bodies, offers the benefits of fluoride without the potential for fluorosis.
Using a small amount of toothpaste is important to prevent swallowing. While a small amount of toothpaste is generally safe to swallow, consuming an excessive amount of fluoride can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, some adults may experience irritation from ingredients found in regular toothpaste available at grocery stores. The more you brush with these ingredients, the more irritating they can become. An example of a common irritant is SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), which is linked to the development of canker sores.
Why you should not use too much toothpaste
Fluorosis poses a risk to young children, leading to the development of brown spots on their teeth due to excessive fluoride intake. Although adults are aware of the importance of not swallowing toothpaste, it can be a challenge for children to do the same. This vulnerability puts children at a higher risk of fluorosis compared to adults and also results in the wastage of toothpaste.
Studies have shown that most adults tend to use an excessive amount of toothpaste on their manual toothbrushes, generally four to five times more than necessary. On the other hand, adults who use electric toothbrushes with small, circular brush heads tend to apply more than twice the recommended amount of toothpaste, suggesting they may need to improve their brushing technique.