Should Water Be Mixed with Toothpaste When Brushing?
Posted on 2/15/2025 by Randolph Center for Dental Excellence
We all know the importance of brushing our teeth twice a day, but there's an ongoing debate about whether we should add water to our toothpaste. While it might seem like a harmless way to dilute the paste and spread it around, there are actually some significant downsides to consider.
Why We Might Add Water
There are a few reasons why someone might choose to add water to their toothpaste. Some people find the taste of toothpaste too strong or dislike the feeling of a thick paste in their mouth. Others might be concerned about using too much toothpaste, which can be especially important for young children who are prone to swallowing it.
Why Water Might Not Be the Best Idea
While these concerns are valid, adding water to your toothpaste can actually have negative consequences for your oral care routine. Here's why:
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Reduced Effectiveness: When you dilute toothpaste with water, you're also diluting its active ingredients, including fluoride. Fluoride is essential for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities, so by adding water, you're essentially reducing its effectiveness.
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Increased Abrasion: Adding water can make the toothpaste more abrasive, which can damage the enamel on your teeth over time. This is especially true for individuals with sensitive teeth or those who already have some enamel erosion.
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Less Lather: The lather produced by toothpaste helps to spread it evenly over your teeth and gums. Adding water can reduce this lather, making it harder to clean all the surfaces of your mouth effectively.
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Flavor Dilution: The flavoring agents in toothpaste are important for making the brushing experience more pleasant, which can encourage people to brush for the recommended two minutes. Diluting the flavor with water can make brushing less enjoyable and potentially lead to shorter brushing times.
The Bottom Line: Stick to Using Toothpaste as Intended
So, to answer the question: No, you shouldn't mix water with your toothpaste. Using toothpaste as directed, without adding water, will ensure you're getting the full benefits of its active ingredients and maintaining good oral hygiene.
If you have any concerns about your brushing technique or the amount of toothpaste you're using, talk to your dentist. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs.
Remember, proper oral care is essential for maintaining a healthy smile throughout your life. By brushing twice a day with toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Dr. Bryan Freeman and Dr. Cheryl Freeman
Dental Blog | Dentist Asheboro, NC | Randolph Center for Dental Excellence Drs. Bryan Freeman & Cheryl Freeman are offering this educational blog as a resource to the great Asheboro, NC community. Click here to read our latest posts! Randolph Center for Dental Excellence, 134 Davis Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 / (336) 444-2772 / freemandds.com / 3/15/2025 / Related Phrases: dentist Asheboro NC /
We all know the importance of brushing our teeth twice a day, but there's an ongoing debate about whether we should add water to our toothpaste. While it might seem like a harmless way to dilute the paste and spread it around, there are actually some significant downsides to consider.