Across the Philippines, many still believe that using more toothpaste means getting cleaner, whiter teeth. We’ve all seen it on TV — commercials showing someone squeezing a thick line of toothpaste across the brush, promising a sparkling smile. For years, brands like Close-Up and other ads have shaped that image.

But the truth? You only need a small amount — about the size of a pea.

To understand this better, let’s follow two friends — Mario and Mike.