In contrast to what is shown in toothpaste commercials, the amount of paste or gel required on a brush is not necessarily the amount of buildup for effective cleaning. Just squeeze a pea-sized paste into the upper half of your brush. If you brush your teeth properly, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush your teeth inside and between the teeth and the toothpaste should foam enough to cover all the teeth. However, children under the age of 6 should be given a very small baby pea-sized toothpaste.