Why Do We Have To Spit Out Toothpaste

Toothpaste is an essential oral and dental hygiene product. Toothpaste helps to clean and whiten teeth and freshen your breath while preventing tooth decay and gum disease. However, you may wonder why you have to spit out toothpaste after brushing.

According to several Dental departments, there could be many reasons why you should spit out toothpaste.

  • One of the main reasons you must spit out toothpaste is because toothpaste (many of them) contains fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. It can be beneficial for oral health but may prove harmful when used in large quantities.
  • Another reason you must spit out toothpaste is that it contains abrasive ingredients. If left on the teeth for too long, Abrasive ingredients such as baking soda can wear down tooth enamel. Therefore, you must spit out toothpaste after brushing to remove any excess toothpaste that may lead to damage.
  • Simultaneously, toothpaste contains foaming agents, which, if left behind, can cause dry mouth. Foaming agents, including sodium lauryl sulfate, create a foamy lather upon mixing with your saliva. Spitting out toothpaste after brushing helps to prevent dry mouth and keeps foaming agents from ingesting into your body

DID YOU KNOW? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using less than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children under 6. At the same time, a pea-sized amount is sufficient for adults.

Risks of Swallowing Toothpaste

Swallowing toothpaste is generally considered safe if it happens accidentally and less often. However, it isn’t recommended to swallow or eat toothpaste purposely. Most toothpaste products contain fluoride, which is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.

A small amount of fluoride in toothpaste is not likely to cause any harm if accidentally swallowed. However, swallowing fluoride in large amounts or frequently isn’t safe. It may cause stomach discomfort and can also lead to Fluoride poisoning.

Your kids might often swallow a tit-bit of toothpaste. If you are giving them only a little (less than a pea-sized), it won’t harm them even if they swallow accidentally.

However, never use toothpaste in large amounts as if ingested (in large amounts), it can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you or someone has ingested a large amount of toothpaste, seek medical attention immediately. In an emergency situation, get help from Poison Control Department.

Parents should supervise their children when they are brushing their teeth and ensure that they do not ingest too much toothpaste. Also, keep toothpaste out of reach of children.

Risks of Not Spitting Toothpaste

Why it is important to spit toothpaste has always been a major point of discussion.

Not spitting out toothpaste after brushing can lead to several potential risks. From Dentists to other health experts and our elders, everyone teaches how important it is to spit out toothpaste every time you brush.

  • One of the main risks of not spitting toothpaste is that it can expose your body to excessive fluoride. This, as a result, can lead to Fluoride Toxicity and Dental Fluorosis. Individuals may experience symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme conditions, it may become severe, leading to health problems such as osteosclerosis.
  • Additionally, not spitting out toothpaste can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Not just spitting but rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water to remove any remaining toothpaste is also very important.

Is it OK to swallow saliva after brushing?

Swallowing saliva is a normal bodily function, and you should not restrict it at any moment of the day. It is absolutely OK to swallow saliva after brushing your teeth. In fact, it is normal and necessary to swallow saliva throughout the day.

Doing so helps keep the moisture balance in your mouth, which could cause dryness. However, for safety, make sure you spit out your toothpaste nicely and rinse your mouth after brushing.

Also, wait for nearly half an hour before you eat or drink anything after brushing your teeth. Half an hour gap is important to allow the fluoride in toothpaste time to strengthen your teeth.

Bottom line 

The main reason why we are advised to spit out toothpaste after brushing is that toothpaste is not meant for ingestion. Toothpaste is a dental hygiene product that is meant to treat your teeth and gums. Toothpaste contains fluoride, which is safe for your teeth but not for your internal organs.

Spit your toothpaste right away every time you are done brushing. Not spitting out toothpaste can lead to a buildup of toothpaste residue in the mouth. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

It is recommended to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water after brushing. It is vital to remove any remaining toothpaste and spit it out, especially for children and people who are prone to swallow toothpaste accidentally.