Times have changed a lot in the past few months. Even though you haven’t been out and about as much as you usually are does not mean your oral hygiene should be forgotten. Staying home as much as possible is essential when it comes to social distancing. This is why preventive dentistry is essential now more than ever! While it’s important to make sure you are stocked up on your oral hygiene products, a little bit can go a long way if you use it correctly. Your dentist can help you determine the perfect amount toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash to use in order to conserve your essential products while keeping your smile beautiful and healthy.
How Much Toothpaste Should I Use?
We’ve all seen the commercials with the perfect blob of toothpaste that covers every single bristle of the toothbrush. While this is appealing to the eye, dentists actually only recommend that adults use approximately a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For small children under the age of 3, even less can be used. Young children only need about a rice grain sized amount of toothpaste.
Using more toothpaste does not mean that your teeth will be cleaner. In fact, ingesting too much fluoride toothpaste can cause fluorosis in children under the age of 8. Usually, fluorosis causes mild discoloration of the permanent teeth. However, in more severe cases the teeth may have:
- Yellow or brown stains
- Surface irregularities
- Noticeable pits in the teeth
How Much Floss Should I Use?
For optimum cleanliness, dentists recommend using about 18 inches of floss at least once a day. This is enough to ensure that you have enough string to use a fresh section between each tooth. This approach helps prevent spreading food debris and plaque throughout your mouth.
How Much Mouthwash Should I Use?
Using mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. While it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing, it can help kill bacteria and prevent bad breath.
Most bottles of mouthwash come with a cup to measure it with. For adults and children over the age of 12, it is recommended to use approximately 20ml. This is equal to 2/3 fl. oz or about 4 teaspoons.
Children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash because of possible ingestion that can lead to fluorosis. For children between the ages of 6 and 12, mouthwash should only be used under close adult supervision to ensure the product is being used correctly.
By knowing exactly how much of your dental products to use, you can extend their life while also keeping up with your oral hygiene. This can help you avoid unnecessary extra trips to the store and effectively practice social distancing during these uncertain times.
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, Dr. Farrell and Dr. Patel are here to provide you and your family with healthy, happy smiles. They believe that preventive dentistry, including daily oral care, is essential to oral hygiene and health. Their office is open with new safeguards in place to protect their patients. To learn more about the practice, visit their website or call them at (214) 643-5220.
