Whether or not to wet the toothpaste before brushing your teeth is a debate that has raged for decades. Some swear that adding a bit of water helps the toothpaste foam up and clean more effectively. Others argue that it dilutes the toothpaste and renders it less effective. So who’s right? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence behind this dental dilemma.
What are the potential benefits of wetting toothpaste?
Those in favor of wetting toothpaste before brushing often cite the following potential benefits:
- Increased foaming – Wetting the toothpaste can help it foam up more, which some see as an indicator that the toothpaste is working effectively to clean the teeth.
- Easier spreading – Adding a bit of water can make it easier to spread the toothpaste evenly over the bristles of the toothbrush.
- Enhanced flavor – Some find that wetting toothpaste enhances the flavor and makes the brushing experience more pleasant.
The increased foaming effect in particular is one of the main reasons people choose to wet their toothpaste. There is a perception that more bubbles equals a better clean.
What are the potential downsides?
On the other side, those against wetting toothpaste point out some potential drawbacks:
- Dilution – Adding water can dilute the toothpaste, reducing its cleaning effectiveness.
- Messiness – Wet toothpaste can be messier and more difficult to control.
- Waste – You end up using extra water each time you brush.
- Bacteria – Wetting toothpaste could potentially introduce bacteria to the paste on the brush.
The dilution argument is one of the strongest against wetting. Toothpaste contains an array of cleaning and polishing agents carefully designed to clean and protect teeth. Adding water could reduce the efficacy of those agents.
What do the experts say?
Dental professionals seem to agree that wetting toothpaste is completely unnecessary. Dr. Ada Cooper, spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), states there is “no scientific evidence that wet toothpaste is more effective than toothpaste used straight from the tube.”
Most toothpaste contains enough humectants like glycerin and sorbitol to keep it moist and easy to spread without additional water. Major toothpaste brands formulate their pastes to foam up and clean teeth effectively right out of the tube.
Dr. Marco Verardi, DDS and dental hygienist adds “Toothpaste contains detergents that foam and emulsifiers that allow it to mix with saliva and spread easily. Adding water just dilutes it and reduces its cleaning power.”
The bottom line among dental professionals is that wetting toothpaste is an unnecessary habit that provides no additional oral health benefits. The paste straight out of the tube has the ideal consistency and concentration to clean and protect your teeth.
What does the research say?
Several studies have investigated whether wetting toothpaste makes a measurable difference in dental hygiene. Here are the findings:
- A 2018 study published in the Journal of Periodontal Research had subjects brush with either wet or regular toothpaste. There was no significant difference in plaque removal or gum health between the two groups.
- A small 2014 study found subjects reported easier spreading with wet toothpaste, but no difference in plaque removal efficacy. However, this study had just 12 participants.
- Lab research measuring enzymatic activity found that diluting toothpaste by 50% reduced cleaning efficacy by 17% compared to undiluted paste.
Overall, there is no strong research evidence demonstrating measurable dental hygiene benefits from wetting toothpaste before brushing. The majority of studies and expert opinion conclude that the practice is unnecessary.
When is wetting toothpaste a good idea?
While wetting toothpaste is generally considered unnecessary for the average brusher, there are some circumstances where it can be beneficial:
- With young children – Wetting a toddler or preschooler’s toothpaste can make it easier for them to clean their teeth thoroughly.
- If you have difficulty spreading – Those with dexterity issues like arthritis may find applying wet toothpaste easier.
- With thicker natural pastes – Some natural or charcoal toothpastes have thicker textures that benefit from a bit of water.
The key is to use only a very small amount of water – a drop or two at most. This helps maintain the concentration and efficacy of the actual toothpaste.
What’s the best way to wet toothpaste?
If you do choose to wet your toothpaste, dental professionals recommend these precautions:
- Use only a tiny amount of water – a single drop is sufficient.
- Apply water directly to the paste, not to the brush.
- Use clean water each time – don’t double dip the brush in the sink.
- Don’t share wet toothpaste with others.
- Rinse thoroughly after brushing to avoid ingesting excess water.
Wetting with just a drop of clean water right on the paste prevents dilution while still making spreading easier. Rinsing post-brushing washes away any extra moisture.
What’s the verdict?
Based on expert opinion and the available research evidence, wetting toothpaste before brushing offers no significant dental hygiene benefits for the average healthy brusher.
The main arguments in favor of wetting toothpaste come down to:
- It makes the paste foam and spread more easily
- It can enhance flavor
However, toothpaste straight from the tube already contains humectants to achieve those effects. Any increased foam from water is a purely cosmetic effect, not an indicator of enhanced cleaning.
The potential cons of diluting toothpaste’s cleaning agents and introducing excess bacteria and moisture outweigh any minor foaming or spreading benefits.
An exception can be made for those who genuinely have difficulty spreading regular toothpaste, like very young kids or those with dexterity issues. In those cases, a single drop of water applied directly to the paste can help.
But for most average, healthy brushers, wetting toothpaste is an unnecessary habit. Toothpaste straight from the tube has the ideal consistency to effectively clean teeth. The next time you brush, remember – no water required!
Conclusion
While wetting toothpaste before brushing is a common habit, most dental professionals agree it offers no significant benefits for the average brusher. Research to date has not found evidence that adding water improves dental hygiene. In fact, there’s greater risk of diluting the toothpaste and reducing its efficacy. The exceptions are those who have genuine difficulty spreading regular toothpaste. For most brushers, toothpaste straight from the tube has the ideal consistency to effectively clean teeth without the need for added water.