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By Dr Nishma Kotecha, dentist
Every celebrity has a list of quirky facts. Arielle Kebbel's has one that made me sit up as a dentist.
In her "25 Things You Don't Know About Me" for Us Weekly, the actress, who many of us remember as Lindsay in Gilmore Girls, said: "My only phobia is toothpaste. Yes, I still brush my teeth, but when I see toothpaste in the sink, I get a gag reflex."
First of all, thank you, Arielle, for clarifying the brushing part. Dentists everywhere breathed a sigh of relief.
But second, I suspect a lot of people read that and thought: oh, that's me. Maybe not the sink specifically. Maybe it's the mint, the foam, the feel of the brush at the back of the mouth, or just the whole experience. Brushing gives some people the ick, and they rarely talk about it.
The short answer: finding parts of brushing unpleasant is really common, and it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. What matters is that you still brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, so it's about finding a version of brushing you can live with. That might mean a toothbrush with a smaller head, a milder or unflavoured toothpaste, a low-foaming formula, or changing how you brush. Skipping brushing isn't the answer, because plaque left on teeth leads to tooth decay and gum disease. (If mint makes your teeth zing, you might be dealing with sensitive teeth too.)
What did Arielle actually say?
Her words were simple: toothpaste is her "only phobia", she still brushes her teeth, and seeing toothpaste in the sink makes her gag.
That's her own description of her own experience. It's not a diagnosis, and I'm not going to turn it into one. I also don't know what she uses or how she brushes, and the tips below aren't a suggestion of what would or wouldn't help her particular trigger. Everyone's ick is different.
What her comment does is open up a conversation that a lot of people quietly need.
So, which part gives you the ick?
When people tell me they hate brushing, it's usually one (or more) of these:
- The mint. Strong mint flavours can feel burning or overwhelming, especially for people who are sensitive to taste.
- The foam. Some toothpastes foam a lot, and that mouthful of bubbles can trigger gagging.
- The texture. Gritty, thick or slimy toothpastes can be hard to tolerate.
- The brush. A large brush head, or bristles touching the back of the mouth or tongue, can set off the gag reflex.
- The sight or smell. Like Arielle, some people struggle with seeing toothpaste in the sink, on the brush, or smelling it.
- The sound or vibration. Electric toothbrushes are brilliant for many people, but some find the buzzing hard to cope with.
Once you know which part bothers you, it's much easier to work around it.
Why the gag reflex kicks in
The gag reflex is a protective reflex. It's there to stop you swallowing things you shouldn't. For some people, it's simply more sensitive than for others.
When you brush, the back teeth, the tongue and the soft palate are all close to the trigger zone. Add a big brush head, a mouthful of foam and a strong flavour, and it's no wonder some people struggle.
Gagging can also be affected by things like tiredness, stress and anxiety, and it can be worse at certain times, such as early pregnancy. If you've noticed new or severe gagging, or it comes with other symptoms, it's worth mentioning to your GP or dentist.
Practical tips if brushing makes you gag
Try a smaller brush head
A toothbrush with a smaller head is easier to move around the back teeth without touching the trigger areas. NHS guidance for people with sensory needs suggests a toothbrush with a "small-medium head" and "soft-medium bristles". A children's brush or a compact adult brush can be a good place to start.
Find a toothpaste you can tolerate
You don't have to use the strongest mint on the shelf. The same NHS guidance suggests that a non-foaming, unflavoured toothpaste may suit people with sensory needs. There are also milder flavours available.
The key thing is to keep the fluoride. For adults and children aged 6 and over, the NHS guidance recommends toothpaste with at least 1,350ppm fluoride. Check the packaging. Some "natural" or novelty toothpastes don't contain fluoride, and fluoride is what helps protect your teeth from decay.
Use less, not none
A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is all you need. More toothpaste means more foam and more flavour, which can make gagging worse.
Change the order
Start with your front teeth, where gagging is less likely, and work your way back gradually. Brush the back teeth last, when you're already into the rhythm.
Lean forward and breathe through your nose
Leaning slightly over the sink helps saliva and foam drain forward, rather than collecting at the back of the throat. Breathing slowly through your nose can help keep the reflex calmer.
Go gently on your tongue
If tongue cleaning triggers gagging, keep it to the front part of the tongue for now, or skip it while you build up confidence.
Distract yourself
Some people find it helps to hum, listen to music or focus on something else while brushing. It sounds silly, but it can work.
Spit, then rinse the sink, not your mouth
This one's for anyone who struggles with seeing toothpaste in the sink. The NHS advice is to "spit don't rinse", so the fluoride stays on your teeth. But there's nothing to stop you running the tap straight away to rinse the sink, so you don't have to look at it.
Don't let the ick win
Here's the bit I'll be firm about. Whatever part of brushing you find hard, please don't give up on it.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Plaque that's left behind can lead to decay, bleeding gums and bad breath. Here's what gum disease looks like, and what a cavity looks like.
If you've been brushing less because it's unpleasant, be kind to yourself, but don't ignore it. Try a few of the changes above, and keep going.
When to talk to your dentist
Tell your dentist or hygienist if brushing is a struggle. They won't judge you. It's useful information, and they can:
- suggest specific toothbrushes and toothpastes that might suit you
- show you techniques that avoid the trigger zones
- check for problems like sensitivity that might be making brushing uncomfortable
- give extra protection, such as fluoride varnish, if you're at higher risk of decay
If the dental chair itself makes you gag or feel anxious, say so. Support for nervous patients is a normal part of dentistry.
What about children who hate brushing?
Lots of children struggle with mint, foam or the feel of the brush, too. The same ideas can help: a small, soft brush, a milder children's fluoride toothpaste in the right amount for their age, and making brushing fun and calm rather than a battle. Here's what children's dentistry involves, and how often everyone should see a dentist.
A few quick questions
What did Arielle Kebbel say about toothpaste? She told Us Weekly that toothpaste is her "only phobia", that she still brushes her teeth, and that seeing toothpaste in the sink gives her a gag reflex.
Why do I gag when I brush my teeth? Some people have a more sensitive gag reflex. Large brush heads, lots of foam, strong flavours and brushing near the back of the mouth can all trigger it.
Is there toothpaste that doesn't foam? Yes. Low-foaming and unflavoured fluoride toothpastes are available, and NHS guidance suggests they may suit people with sensory needs.
Can I skip toothpaste if it makes me gag? It's better to find a fluoride toothpaste you can tolerate, and use a pea-sized amount, because fluoride helps protect against decay.
The verdict
Arielle Kebbel's toothpaste confession is funny, relatable, and a reminder that brushing isn't a pleasant experience for everyone.
Mint, foam, the brush, the sink: whatever gives you the ick, you're not alone, and you're not being dramatic. The goal isn't to love brushing. It's to find a way of doing it twice a day that you can live with. Smaller brush, gentler toothpaste, rinse the sink, keep the fluoride. Your teeth will thank you, even if your gag reflex doesn't.
This article is general information based on public reporting. It is not personal dental advice. Arielle Kebbel and Us Weekly have no connection with this article.
