Smile Every Day - It Does a Body Good

Walker & Krause Dental Blog

Do You Use Too Little or Too Much Toothpaste?

If you’ve ever seen any sort of advertisement for toothpaste, you’ve likely seen a toothbrush with that perfect line of toothpaste spread across it. It looks so perfect that you might want to head to the bathroom to practice recreating it on your own toothbrush.

But did you know that these advertisements often show people using way more toothpaste than they need to?

Do You Use Too Much Toothpaste?

Most people believe that the toothpaste is what’s really cleaning their teeth, but that’s not necessarily the case. The brushing action is what removes the bacteria and plaque. In many cases, the toothpaste is just there to help make your mouth taste fresh and clean.

That’s not to say that all toothpaste does that. There are some that include ingredients that help to whiten your teeth or help with sensitive teeth. By and large, though, you really don’t need to use a large amount of toothpaste. This isn’t a case of “more is better.” All you really need is about a pea-sized dot of toothpaste on your brush.

As an added bonus, if you cut back and use only a small amount of toothpaste each time you brush, you won’t have to buy more as often. You’ll save a little bit of money!

What About Using Too Little?

There’s not really a problem with using too little toothpaste. In fact, you don’t even have to use toothpaste at all. Your brush is enough to clean your teeth, gums, and tongue. It does taste nice, though, which is why many people do use it. There’s no need to use a huge amount of toothpaste, though.

If you have any other questions about toothpaste, toothbrushes, or the proper brushing technique, give us a call. We can schedule an appointment to discuss your oral hygiene habits and help you improve them.