How Much Toothpaste Should You Use for Optimal Oral Hygiene?

How Much Toothpaste Should You Use for Optimal Oral Hygiene?

Many adults may believe that the more toothpaste they use while brushing their teeth, the cleaner their teeth will be. However, they may have forgotten that it is actually not the toothpaste that cleans teeth, but rather the toothbrush.

 

 

If someone asks if they can stop using toothpaste, the answer is no. That's because the fluoride in toothpaste helps to make teeth stronger and can fight tooth decay.

 

The American Dental Association recommends that children use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing their teeth. Overuse of toothpaste can lead to excessive amounts of fluoride intake, resulting in dental fluorosis, which is marked by white spots on the teeth that cannot be removed.

 

 

In adults, determine the amount of toothpaste to use by squeezing the tube until the length of the toothpaste is equal to the length of the toothbrush bristles.

 

Don't forget to brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, everyday.

 

  by Dr. Napong Puapornpong, a dentist at Vibhavadi Hospital