Toothpaste is completely optional. Ken hates the stuff, and hasn't used it for years. Brushing with water is sufficient for good dental care (it's best if you brush more than once a day, though). Our kids have toothpaste because they asked for it once, but mostly they don't use it. I like the taste (sensodyne fresh mint), so I brush with paste once a day, but without at other times.
Then I had braces in my late 20's, and I had to brush my teeth a *lot* and found that I was really irritating my gums. That's when I discovered that toothpaste has some lubricating qualities as well as being foamy & minty & having fluoride.
I use Tom's and have for years. I also barely squeeze any toothpaste into my brush and I get plenty of foaminess to spit out. Those commercials are evil (but then, aren't they all?).
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Then I had braces in my late 20's, and I had to brush my teeth a *lot* and found that I was really irritating my gums. That's when I discovered that toothpaste has some lubricating qualities as well as being foamy & minty & having fluoride.
I use Tom's and have for years. I also barely squeeze any toothpaste into my brush and I get plenty of foaminess to spit out. Those commercials are evil (but then, aren't they all?).