Have you seen commercials featuring toothbrushes loaded with perfectly placed paste? Perhaps this is why Americans are using way too much toothpaste. But when it comes to all dental products, amount matters.
Plaque is not easily visible, but constantly finds its way to your mouth. The best way to sack plaque and prevent build-up is to practice a proper oral hygiene routine. Make sure you’re doing so with the right amounts:
- Toothpaste: Dentists often see patients with tooth enamel damage due to excessive toothpaste use. A pea-sized amount should be applied to your toothbrush before brushing.
- Mouthwash: One study found people who used antibacterial mouthwash more than 3 times a day had an increased risk for mouth and throat cancers. Overuse can also dry your mouth out, upping your odds of bad breath. Rinse your mouth no more than twice a day for 30 seconds.
- Floss: No one likes a floss waster! Floss once a day or as needed using around 18 inches of floss.
Take it easy on the tube and moderate your mouthwash use. The recommendations are there for a reason.
