How much toothpaste to use in grams

Chances are, the amount of toothpaste that you use each day has been the same since you can remember ever brushing your teeth. You may be surprised to find out that you’re probably using too much! Sure, most people know that they want to keep the product out of the reach of children (in case of accidental ingestion) but is there such a thing as too much or too little on your toothbrush each day?

Less is More

Using too much toothpaste (like the long smears you see on commercials) can mask your mouth into thinking you’ve gotten it cleaner than you really have. As the tingly mint flavors and sensations coat your tongue and teeth, there may still be plaque left behind. Using a smaller amount will provide your tooth enamel with adequate fluoride while helping you to detect any areas that may not be getting as clean as they ought to.

In fact, some dentists and hygienists even recommend brushing your teeth without toothpaste first, and then going back after your teeth feel clean to brush again with toothpaste. This helps the fluoride and other minerals work better and can significantly reduce the amount of plaque or tartar buildup that people tend to get between dental checkups.

A Pea Sized Amount for Adults

For adults or anyone that’s old enough to brush their teeth independently (including children that can rinse well and floss on their own,) only a pea sized amount of toothpaste is necessary. Anything more than this is unnecessary.

Rice Grain Sized Smears for Kids

As soon as your little one starts to get teeth, it’s important to start using fluoridated toothpaste. Recommendations from the American Dental Association have changed as new data has become available. In the past, parents were told to avoid having their toddler use any form of fluoridated toothpaste until they were able to rinse well (to avoid accidental ingestion over time.) Today, experts recommend using fluoridated products earlier, but only an amount that’s the size of a grain of rice. That way if it’s accidentally swallowed, it won’t be enough to cause intestinal problems or issues with tooth development.

What About Prescription Strength Toothpaste?

If your dentist prescribes a special toothpaste for you to use, he or she may want you to use it at night after you’ve already brushed with another toothpaste. That way the prescription grade product can have maximum contact with your already clean teeth and work as designed.

Most prescription toothpastes contain a higher concentration of fluoride, which is why they’re sold behind the counter at pharmacies.

As with everyday toothpastes, you only need to use an amount about the size of a pea when you’re brushing with a prescription grade gel. Any more than that, and you could accidentally swallow too much fluoride and get an upset stomach.

Ask your Kois Center dentist about which type of toothpaste you should be using or if a prescription toothpaste is necessary.

If you cover their toothbrush bristles from end to end with a ribbon of toothpaste, you’re not alone. Yet most dentists recommend a pea-sized amount every time you brush, whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride or without. In case you’re not friendly with the round green vegetable, a pea is about the same size as a kernel of corn or a chocolate chip.

However, everyone has a personal preference for the amount of moisture, foam, and taste in their toothbrushing experience. All of these factors are affected by how much toothpaste you put on your toothbrush. Use around a pea-sized amount, but don’t get too hung up on how much toothpaste you’re “supposed” to use.

If you prefer the taste and feel of more toothpaste when you brush, go right ahead – there isn’t a toothbrushing police officer monitoring your use. Some people also find that using a bit more toothpaste helps them brush longer as it will last the full two minutes of brushing recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Here’s another tip dentists recommend if you’re a fluoride toothpaste user: don’t rinse with water or mouthwash after brushing. You want the toothpaste to stay on your teeth to help the fluoride penetrate your teeth and help strengthen them. Try to wait at least 30 minutes after brushing before you have a drink to avoid rinsing all the toothpaste away.

How Much Toothpaste to Use for a Child

While adults shoud use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, it doesn’t hurt to use more. Children ages 3 and under should use even less, and there is a good reason not to use too much fluoride toothpaste.

Young kids have a harder time controlling their swallowing reflex and can swallow toothpaste by accident. While nothing terrible happens if you swallow toothpaste, if kids ingest too much fluoride toothpaste over time, they can develop stains on their teeth or damage the enamel. Although it’s treatable, using the right amount of toothpaste and not swallowing it will keep your kids from developing this condition, known as fluorosis.

In a four-year study, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 80% of families used too much toothpaste for children ages 1-6 years. Most people used a “full-load” of toothpaste that covers the entire toothbrush head, a half-load, or a pea-sized amount when helping their children brush. All of these are too much fluoride toothpaste for kids age 6 and under.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the ADA all recommend introducing fluoride toothpaste for children from the time their first tooth erupts and to use a just a smear of toothpaste on the brush – an amount about the size of a grain of rice until they are age 3. After that time, kids can begin to move up to the recommended pea-sized amount of toothpaste for older children and adults. Remember that the ADA and AAP advise that parents monitor children’s toothbrushing until at least age 8.

Fluoride toothpaste helps protect your kids’ teeth and prevent cavities, but using the right amount of toothpaste is an important part of healthy toothbrushing habits.

Choose the Right Toothpaste for You and Your Family

It’s up to you whether you prefer a toothpaste with our without fluoride, and whether you enjoy a whitening formula, one with charcoal, or to help with tooth sensitivity. Taste and the foaming feel are other factors. Try one of these ARM & HAMMER™ toothpastes to find the one that benefits you most.

• ARM & HAMMER™ Complete Care™ Toothpaste is a low-abrasion formula that won’t harm enamel. It’s powered by baking soda to help neutralize acids, gently whitens teeth, and contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.
• ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Teeth & Gums Toothpaste has baking soda to gently clean and whiten with low abrasion and the maximum relief from painful sensitivity available without a prescription.
• ARM & HAMMER™ Advance White™ Breath Freshening Toothpaste has a pleasant winter mint flavor that freshens breath for hours, controls tartar, and whitens up to 3 shades without damaging enamel.
• ARM & HAMMER Essentials Fluoride-Free Toothpaste White + Activated Charcoal is free of artificial sweeteners and dyes, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), preservatives, parabens, peroxide, and fluoride. The baking soda with activated charcoal toothpaste helps whiten teeth and restore shine to your smile.

No matter which toothpaste you choose, the recommended amount to use is the same: at least a pea-sized portion for adults and a smaller amount for kids 3 and under, about the size of a grain of rice. If you have any questions about which toothpaste is best for you or how much to use, check with your dentist for more information.

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