Clean teeth are an important part of keeping you healthy. Being vigilant in your dental hygiene can help prevent a host of problems including bad breath, teeth discoloration, tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping your teeth clean revolves around preventing plaque buildup on and between the teeth. Plaque is made up of food debris, saliva and bacteria, which can contribute to dental problems as it releases acids onto the enamel of your teeth. Cleaning your teeth regularly and properly can help prevent these problems.
Step 1
Brush twice a day. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once when you wake up in the morning, and once before you go to sleep at night. Many dentists recommend taking this a step further and brushing your teeth after every meal as well, to help prevent excess food debris from building up on your teeth.
Step 2
Choose the right toothbrush. Like any job, the quality of your tools can affect the quality of the results you get. This is no different with brushing your teeth. When looking for a toothbrush, find one with soft bristles that is small enough to fit into the smaller back spaces of your mouth. Electrical toothbrushes are also a good option, as they provide more strokes per second on the surface of the tooth than you are capable of achieving on your own. Whenever your toothbrush starts to look worn, replace the toothbrush immediately for a new one.
Step 3
Choose the right toothpaste. According to the ADA, when looking for a toothpaste, you should always choose a brand with fluoride, as it adds additional protection from tooth decay. Different brands of toothpaste provide different services ranging from tooth whitening to enamel strengthening. If you are confused by the many products on the market, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Step 4
Use the right brushing method. When brushing, it is important to not only get the front sides of the teeth, but also the inner and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Dentists recommend using gentle short strokes across the entire tooth. You should repeat this for each tooth in your mouth. Use just enough toothpaste to get the job done, and refrain from swallowing while brushing. If you are unsure of whether you are brushing well enough, purchase a "disclosing rinse," which will dye the remaining plaque in your mouth, allowing you to see any spots you missed.
Step 5
Floss daily. Flossing is also an important part of keeping your teeth clean. This only needs to be done once a day. To floss correctly, gently guide the floss in between each tooth. Use a gentle rubbing motion up and down the side of each tooth till you reach the gum line. Using the same gentle rubbing motions, go back up the adjacent tooth. Repeat the same motions between each tooth. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the gums, as the floss can cut the gum tissue.
Step 6
Use a mouthwash. After brushing, use a mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria. Many mouthwashes on the market now include other active ingredients beyond antiseptics, that can provide teeth whitening, tartar protection and anti-cavity protection.
