Have you asked your Knoxville dentist in IL, how much toothpaste you should be using when you brush your teeth? Millions of people brush their teeth daily, but the majority are not sure what the ideal amount of toothpaste is. Are you using too little or too much?
Interestingly, many use too much toothpaste, and when asked why, they would say it’s what they see in TV commercials. Actors happily squeeze out a liberal amount of toothpaste on their toothbrushes. Unfortunately, these commercials are inaccurate and misleading. If you base the amount of toothpaste you put on your toothbrush on those commercials, you are using too much.
How Much Toothpaste Should You Use?
The Recommended Amount
How much toothpaste you need depends on the type of toothpaste, how old you are, and if you rinse your mouth after brushing. The type of toothbrush you use, whether it’s manual or electric, doesn’t matter. The size of the bristles doesn’t matter either. However, you must check whether you have non-fluoride or fluoride toothpaste.
The presence or absence of fluoride plays a role in how much you should use and how you brush. Fluoride is good for your teeth, but it takes time to penetrate your teeth before you can enjoy its full benefits. But there is a downside to fluoride.
Did you know that ingesting too much fluoride is bad for children? Therefore, if you have young kids at home, you should be extra careful with the amount of toothpaste you’re putting on their toothbrushes.
Generally, adults and children three years old and above are allowed a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing their teeth. While children below three years old only need grain-sized toothpaste.
The critical thing to remember is to brush your teeth two times a day, as recommended by the American Dental Association. In addition, dentists suggest you choose toothpaste that tastes good to make your oral care routine more enjoyable.
How Much Toothpaste to Use for Adults
Are you the type of person who covers all the bristles of your toothbrush with toothpaste? If yes, you’re not the only one. However, if you want your teeth to be squeaky clean, adding more toothpaste than you should is counterproductive.
Research shows that the amount recommended by dentists is pea-sized whenever you brush, regardless if it contains fluoride or not. For those unfamiliar with what a pea looks like, it’s the same size as a chocolate chip.
When using fluoride toothpaste, don’t rinse your mouth with water or swish with a mouthwash after brushing, as this prevents fluoride from penetrating your teeth. Fluoride helps keep your teeth strong and resistant to cavities and tooth decay.
When Children Use Too Much Fluoride
What’s going to happen if children ingest too much fluoride? According to the CDC, brushing your child’s teeth using toothpaste that contains too much fluoride can potentially damage their enamel resulting in fluorosis or white marks on their teeth.
Do You Need to See a Knoxville Dentist, IL?
If you want to learn more about your oral health and how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, our dental team can assist you. At Smalltown Dental, our goal is to provide you with the best possible dental treatments customized to your needs. We use the latest dental techniques and equipment to improve your oral health. Call us today for an appointment.
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