Using the right amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush is very important; probably just as important as what kind of toothpaste you use. Commercials and ads show a long strip of toothpaste covering the whole toothbrush bristles, but this is a common mistake that people make.
If too much toothpaste is used, a few bad things happen. Firstly, you will end up spending more money on toothpaste. Second, you will be almost required to brush your teeth in the bathroom or near a sink because your mouth will foam up quickly; this also will make you want to brush for a shorter time. Lastly, you will be desensitising your tongue. To explain, your tongue will be tasting a bunch of yummy minty toothpaste and won’t feel the cavity bugs on your teeth.
These three things (and others) results in less than effective tooth brushing. The recommended dosage of toothpaste is about the size of the tip of your pinky finger for adults, and a pea sized for children under the age of 6. And, some dental professionals even recommend brushing without toothpaste for two to four minutes, until your teeth are clean, then introducing toothpaste to freshen breath, add fluoride, and remove stain. We call this "two way toothbrushing."
Next time you're at the dentist, ask! If you talk to Dr. Mike or Dr. Chris, get ready to learn!