Toothpaste is a key component of any good oral hygiene routine. And with so many varieties of formulas available, you’re sure to find the best toothpaste for you and your family. However, when it comes to how much toothpaste you should use per brushing session, it really depends on age and a dentist-recommended amount. Find out just how much toothpaste you should be brushing with, the effects of using too much toothpaste, and what can happen if you don’t brush with enough fluoride.
How Much Toothpaste Should I Put on My Toothbrush?
Most often people tend to apply a full strip of toothpaste across their toothbrush head. However, dentists recommend using just a fraction of that amount.
For those three years old or older, dental professionals recommend that you brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush or brush head and a “pea-sized” amount of toothpaste. That’s because a pea-sized smear of fluoridated toothpaste is just enough to clean your teeth more effectively while also helping to limit waste.
For children under the age of three, they should use approximately the size of a grain of rice. In certain instances, children can develop dental fluorosis when brushing with too much toothpaste. However, it is important to use a fluoride toothpaste for kids to help keep growing smiles healthy.
The type of toothpaste used also plays a significant role in determining the ideal quantity. Some toothpaste brands recommend using more toothpaste for optimal results. However, it is essential to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer.
What Happens When You Use Too Much Toothpaste?
We know that toothpaste is important for a healthy and strong smile, but can you overdo it? The short answer is yes. Too much toothpaste is not only wasteful but may also pose additional side effects.
One of the more common issues of brushing with too much toothpaste is dental fluorosis. Primarily affecting children, fluorosis occurs when a child consumes too much fluoride when their teeth are forming. Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that impacts the enamel of the teeth and can cause white or brown spots on them.
Symptoms of dental fluorosis can range from very mild to severe. Signs to watch out for include:
Light specks of white spots on tooth surfaces.
Light brown spots on teeth.
Dark brown spots affecting most of the tooth’s surface.
Pits or fissures in the tooth enamel.
Fortunately, when caught early on, dental fluorosis can be managed. Ensure your child sees their dental professional every six months for proper cleanings and checkups.
Simply being mindful of your child’s fluoride intake can help reduce the risk of developing dental fluorosis in the first place.
Additional steps to keep your child’s mouth healthy include:
Make sure they spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it.
Keep acidic and sugary foods and drinks to a limit.
Maintain good oral care habits of brushing 2X/day, flossing 1X/day, and visiting their dental professional 2X/year.
Another reason to keep to a pea-sized amount, or less in the case of children under six, is to help prevent abdominal pain that can be associated with too much fluoride.
How Much Toothpaste to Use on an Electric Toothbrush?
From more plaque removal to gum care benefits, there are plenty of reasons to brush with an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrush users should use a pea-sized amount of paste on their brush.
The unique dentist-inspired round brush head on most Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes is specially designed to reach deep between teeth and remove 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. When paired with a pea-sized amount of stannous fluoride toothpaste, you can be better equipped to help keep teeth and gums in good condition.
Different Types of Toothpaste to Use
When brushing twice daily, opt for fluoride toothpastes. Beyond that, you can choose from an array of flavors and types of fluoride toothpastes or gels. Stannous fluoride pastes include additional benefits such as anti-erosion and anti-sensitivity.
Toothpastes for Adults
Oral-B Toothpaste for Gum Care: Oral-B Sensitivity & Gum CALM toothpaste is clinically proven to immediately relieve sensitivity pain and soothes gums for an in-mouth comfort.
Oral-B Toothpaste for Whitening: Oral-B 3DWhite Clinical Whitening Diamond Clean toothpaste is professionally designed to remove up to 100% of surface stains in just 3 days.
Oral-B Toothpaste for Enamel Protection: Oral-B Gum & Enamel Repair toothpaste actively protects your gums and strengthens your enamel by defending against acid erosion.
Toothpastes for Kids
Oral-B Toothpaste for Baby: It’s important to start brushing baby’s teeth as soon as that first tooth makes its debut. Oral-B Baby 0-2 Years Winnie the Pooh Toothpaste, cleans teeth and gums gently. Plus, it’s formulated without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners and Dyes.
Oral-B Toothpaste for Kids 3+: Oral-B Kids 3+ Cars or Frozen Toothpaste comes in fun flavors and features their favorite characters to better encourage healthy habits. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, these gluten-free toothpastes help strengthen enamel and provide effective cavity protection for healthy growing smiles.
Oral-B Toothpaste for Kids 6+: Oral-B Junior 6+ Toothpaste is developed with dentists to help prevent cavities.
It is important to note that toothpaste alone cannot guarantee excellent dental hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Now that we know how much toothpaste we should use, let's talk about how to use it effectively. Here are some tips:
Wet the toothbrush bristles with water.
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
Brush your teeth for two minutes using circular motions, focusing on all surfaces of your teeth and gums.
Spit out the toothpaste into the sink.
Rinse the toothbrush with water and store it in a clean and dry place.
Toothpaste Amount FAQs
How much toothpaste to use according to ADA?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for adults. Children under three years should only use a smear or rice-sized amount of toothpaste. Too much toothpaste can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that affects the enamel of the teeth and can cause white or brown spots on them.
How much is a pea-sized amount of toothpaste?
A pea-sized amount is the ideal quantity of toothpaste for adults. For a complete clean without the waste, when brushing teeth, apply just enough toothpaste to cover the bristles.
How much toothpaste is too little?
Using too little fluoridated toothpaste can lead to a fluoride deficiency, which increases the risk of cavities. For adults, be sure to use a pea-sized amount whereas children under three only need a smear or rice-sized amount of toothpaste.
From Oral-B, the #1 toothbrush brand used by dentists worldwide.
Sources:
https://www.health.com/condition/oral-health/how-much-toothpaste-should-you-use
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6804a3.htm
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)60226-9/pdf
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23227-fluorosis#symptoms-and-causes
https://www.heart.co.uk/lifestyle/how-much-toothpaste-depending-on-age/
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