Brushing "without toothpaste" study

[Andrew Joiner]

I googled - Brushing "without toothpaste" study. I've been "dry brushing" for awhile when I'm away from home. Turns out it's as effective as with toothpaste.

[Dave Zellers]

I googled - Brushing "without toothpaste" study. I've been "dry brushing" for awhile when I'm away from home. Turns out it's as effective as with toothpaste.
Yeah- I asked my hygienist which brand of toothpaste is best and her reply was, it doesn't matter. I guess it is just about leaving a minty fresh taste in your mouth.

The next question will be do the speciality toothpastes like gum and enamel repair do anything? Probably not. But I do know that stimulating the gums with the bristles absolutely is beneficial.

[Ron Citerone]

I use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. My Dentist reccommended it to me. I can say for sure that if I use reglr toothpaste or no toothpaste for a few days I feel more sensitivity to cold and sweets. Just my experience. BTW, I had a reaction (sore, inflamed tongue) from that gum detoxify tooth paste.

[Dave Zellers]

BTW, I had a reaction (sore, inflamed tongue) from that gum detoxify tooth paste.
Wow- that is interesting. Because I actually feel like it is working but I don't know if it is from the toothpaste or the aggressive gum stimulation by the brushing. For the record, it's just Colgate Gum and Enamel repair toothpaste, perhaps not what you had a reaction to.

[Ron Citerone]

Wow- that is interesting. Because I actually feel like it is working but I don't know if it is from the toothpaste or the aggressive gum stimulation by the brushing. For the record, it's just Colgate Gum and Enamel repair toothpaste, perhaps not what you had a reaction to.

My problem came from a product called Gum Detoxify. No problem with gum irritation, my tongue. Went away when I stopped for a while, then tongue problem started again when I tried the tooth paste again.

[Jim Matthews]

I thought toothpaste was flavored to keep people brushing longer, because it tastes good.

[Dave Zellers]

My problem came from a product called Gum Detoxify. No problem with gum irritation, my tongue. Went away when I stopped for a while, then tongue problem started again when I tried the tooth paste again.
Well that certainly identifies the source without question. Was this a Crest product? I'm not sure of the exact name of the Crest product I'm using without checking.

[Dave Zellers]

I thought toothpaste was flavored to keep people brushing longer, because it tastes good.
Most likely true, and it's probably more (just as?) important to brush the gums than the teeth.

[Kev Williams]

I learned to brush Colgate tooth powder, surprised it's still around!
455848
Great for traveling or keeping in your glovebox :)

[Mike Henderson]

I use one of those electric toothbrushes - I think it's the Oral-B - and like it. I use a small amount of toothpaste with it. I like the taste.

Mike

[Ron Citerone]

Well that certainly identifies the source without question. Was this a Crest product? I'm not sure of the exact name of the Crest product I'm using without checking.

Yes it is a Crest product.

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

Interesting. Did the study occur where there is flouridated water. If so the results may be way off. Some toothpaste has a fine abrasive in it to help scour the grime off the teeth. Did the study use only some kinds of paste and not others? Some toothpaste comes with an antibacterial substance like mouthwash, did the study take that into account. I prefer a toothpaste that has the anti bacterial stuff in it. Lived on a well for too many years. Always used flouridated toothpaste.

[Alex Zeller]

Anyone read the warnings on a tube of toothpaste? When you see an ad they always have a nice looking thick gob of it on a brush. Yet it's recommended to only use a dab the size of a pea. If you read the warnings you shouldn't swallow it, shouldn't allow kids under 6 to be around it, and if you do swallow "more than used for brushing" you should call Poison Control or seek medical help immediately. I think dry brushing is actually safer.

[Dick Strauss]

That's an interesting study. I guess brushing is mostly about disturbing the biofilm on your teeth to prevent damage.

FYI - Bad reactions to toothpaste may be caused by a manufacturing switch to stannous fluoride ("SF" on Colgate labels) as the active ingredient instead of sodium fluoride. My wife had such a reaction when Colgate Total switched recipes. We contacted Colgate about the issue. It seems Colgate had set up a special option in their phone tree because of so many negative reports from consumers.

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

Your not supposed to drink mouth wash either. Look at the side effects of a small amount of whiskey. no one should consume that stuff. (I am allergic to ethyl alcohol. I break out in a rash) Heck too much asparagus can kill you.

[Malcolm McLeod]

Your not supposed to drink mouth wash either. Look at the side effects of a small amount of whiskey. no one should consume that stuff. ...

Agree that no one should drink whiskey :: terrible, horrible side effects. Whisky on the other hand can be transferred to me and I be happy to rid the world of this, uhhmm - - this scourge. Least I can do.

[Andrew Joiner]

This is what some Dentists webpages say in 2017/2018:
https://www.delanodental.com/blog/delano-dentists-promote-benefits-dry-brushing/
When you search the ADA there's no record of a study on "dry brushing" or without toothpaste. My guess is the ADA got a lot of flack from the toothpaste makers.

[Stan Calow]

I've heard of similar results in doing laundry without detergent - the water does most of the work, the rest is perfume.

[Ron Citerone]

[QUOTE=Perry Hilbert Jr;3114107]Your not supposed to drink mouth wash either. Look at the side effects of a small amount of whiskey.[/QUOTE

I have a strict policy to avoid "Small amounts of whyskey." Large amounts works so much better.:D:eek:

[Audrey Watson]

I use a bit of baking soda while brushing.

[Derek Meyer]

I once tried the Crest multi-care toothpaste, which had baking soda in it. After about 3 days my gums were bleeding when I brushed. I went back to my regular Crest toothpaste and the bleeding went away.

I brush with Crest every night, and I use a good amount. I follow with a Waterpik water flosser, with the brush end that spins and pumps the water out the middle. That has made a huge difference in my oral health - my teeth are much cleaner and the stains I've had for most of my life are starting to fade away. I can highly recommend water flossing as part of an oral health care regiment.

[Audrey Watson]

Great tip. I'll try your method of cleaning teeth.

[Mike Henderson]

I've heard of similar results in doing laundry without detergent - the water does most of the work, the rest is perfume.

Certain types of dirt and stains can be removed with just water. For others, detergent is necessary to remove them. Others, nothing removes them.

Mike

[Ole Anderson]

Would you think of washing dishes in just hot water?

[Mel Fulks]

Would you think of washing dishes in just hot water?

Sure, in the autoclave….but not while I’m driving

[lowell holmes]

I do the same Mike and I am not changing my ways. :rolleyes: