Maintaining clean teeth is an important part in overall oral hygiene. If you don't clean your teeth consistently, a host of dental problems can develop in your mouth including the loss of tooth whiteness, tooth decay and bacterial infections. Fixing these problems after they develop is much more costly and painful than brushing, flossing and disinfecting your teeth on a daily basis.
Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing your teeth is the first step in maintaining a clean mouth. You may have learned to brush your teeth early in your childhood, but proper brushing technique involves more than simply rubbing your toothbrush back and forth a couple times. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums. Keep your brushing gentle and use strokes that cover two to three teeth. You must brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth to clean all parts of the tooth. To clean the inside of your upper and lower front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up and down strokes. After you have covered all of your teeth, brush your tongue to remove bacteria. A clean tongue will freshen your breath.
Proper Flossing Technique
Flossing removes harmful plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush may leave behind. You should develop a daily flossing habit after you brush to maintain a clean mouth and prevent gum disease. To floss properly, begin by breaking off 18 inches of floss. Anchor the floss on one hand by wrapping it around your middle finger. Grab the floss between your thumb and forefinger and guide it between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. As you drag the floss upward in the crevice between two teeth, curve it into a c-shape into the space between the gum and tooth. Clean this space between both teeth and bring the floss back down between the teeth. Repeat this method on all of your teeth.
Mouth Rinses
Mouth rinses can be the final step in your daily at-home tooth cleaning regimen. Mouth rinses reduce the bacterial count in plaque. A buildup of bacteria in plaque may lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontal gum disease. A mouth rinse with fluoride can protect your teeth from decay by protecting tooth enamel. When purchasing a mouth rinse, check for one approved by the American Dental Association. Directions for use of mouth rinses are usually written on the label of the bottle. Some mouth rinses may be dangerous for young children, who may swallow the liquid.
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