How to keep your teeth clean (2024)

Brush your teethwith fluoride toothpastetwice a dayfor about2 minutesto help keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats yourteeth if you don't brush themproperly. It contributes to gum diseaseand tooth decay.

Tooth brushing stops plaque building up. Try to make sure you clean every surface of all your teeth.

When should I brush my teeth?

Brush your teeth for about 2 minutes last thing before you go to bed and on 1 other occasion every day.

Your dentist or hygienist may give you more advice based on your own dental health and needs.

Should I use an electric or manual toothbrush?

It doesn't matter whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush.

They're both equally good, as long asyou clean all the surfaces of all your teeth and you use fluoride toothpaste.

But some people find it easier to clean their teeth thoroughly with an electric toothbrush.

Whatshould I look for in atoothbrush?

For most adults, a toothbrush with a small head and a compact, angled arrangement of long and short round-end bristles is fine. Medium or soft bristles are best for most people.

If you're using an electric brush, onewith an oscillating or rotating head may work better than a manual toothbrush.

But making sure you thoroughly clean your teeth at leasttwice a day is more important than the type of brush you use. If indoubt, ask your dentist.

What type of toothpaste should I use?

It's important to use a toothpaste with the right concentration of fluoride.

Check the packaging to find out how much fluoride each brand contains.

  • Adults shoulduse a toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.
  • Children don't need to use special children's toothpaste.Children of all agescan use family toothpaste, as long as itcontains 1,350 to 1,500ppmfluoride. Childrenaged 3 and underwho don't have tooth decay can usea lower strength children's toothpaste, but make sure it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
  • Children under the age of 3 should use just a smear of toothpaste. Children aged 3 to 6 years should usea pea-sized blob of toothpaste.Make sure children don't lick or eat toothpaste from the tube.

Your dentist mayadvise you or your child to usea toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride, if you need it.

How to brush your teeth

Make sure you clean all the surfaces of all your teeth, which should takeabout 2 minutes.

Remember to brush the inside surfaces, outside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.

How to help children brush their teeth

Children need to be helped or supervised brushing their teeth until they're at least 7 years old.

Get more tips on taking care of children's teeth

Don't rinse with waterstraight after toothbrushing

After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste.

Don't rinse your mouthimmediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.

Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.

Should I use mouthwash?

Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay,butdon't use mouthwash(even a fluoride one)straightafter brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in thetoothpaste left on your teeth.

Choose adifferent time to use mouthwash, such asafter lunch.

Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.

How to use dental floss

Flossing isn't just for dislodging food wedged between your teeth.

Regular flossing may also reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line.

It's best to floss before brushing your teeth.

  • Take 30cm to 45cm of floss ordental tape and grasp it so you have 3cm or 4cm of floss taut between your hands.
  • Slip the floss or dental tapebetween the teeth and into the area between your teeth and gums, as far as it'll go.
  • Floss with8 to 10 strokes, up and down between each tooth, to dislodge food and plaque.

How to use interdental brushes

You can use interdental brushes or single-tufted brushesinstead offlossing, especially if there are gaps between your teeth.

The brush should fit snugly between the teeth.

Never usetoothpicks to remove trapped food from between your teeth as you maydamageyour gums, which could lead to an infection.

Your dentist or hygienist can advise you on the best way to clean between your teeth.

How to keep your teeth clean (2024)

FAQs

How to keep your teeth clean? ›

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don't brush them properly. It contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth brushing stops plaque building up.

What are 5 ways to take care of your teeth? ›

Here are some good ways to take care of your teeth, straight from the dentists at West Richland Family Dental:
  1. #1: Brush teeth twice daily. ...
  2. #2: Use a fluoride toothpaste. ...
  3. #3: Brush thoroughly. ...
  4. #4: Limit acidic drinks. ...
  5. #5: Floss daily. ...
  6. #6: Only use your teeth to chew food. ...
  7. #7: Protect your teeth from injury.
Mar 24, 2021

How do I keep my teeth super clean? ›

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about 2 minutes to help keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don't brush them properly. It contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth brushing stops plaque building up.

How can I keep my teeth healthy without brushing? ›

8 Oral Hygiene Hacks – How to Clean Your Teeth Without a Toothbrush
  1. Rinse with water after meals. ...
  2. Eat fibrous fruits and vegetables. ...
  3. Eat cheese at the end of a meal. ...
  4. Use your finger as a toothbrush. ...
  5. Use Mouthwash or a Hydrogen Peroxide rinse. ...
  6. Purchase a tongue scraper.
Sep 15, 2022

How to get your teeth really clean? ›

Brushing your teeth is the most important and effective method for teeth cleaning. Most dentists recommend you brush at least twice a day, but brushing after every meal is even better. Whether you choose electric or manual, select a toothbrush that allows you to easily clean all surfaces and in hard to reach areas.

How can I keep my teeth hygienic? ›

Helpful Tips
  1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Clean between teeth regularly, aiming for once a day. ...
  3. Visit the dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleaning. ...
  4. Drink fluoridated water. ...
  5. Don't smoke. ...
  6. If you are planning to become pregnant, have a dental checkup. ...
  7. Eat a well-balanced diet.

How to clean yellow teeth? ›

The following strategies may help whiten teeth:
  1. Making dietary changes. Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. ...
  2. Trying oil pulling. ...
  3. Brushing with baking soda. ...
  4. Using hydrogen peroxide. ...
  5. Whitening with fruit. ...
  6. Chewing high fiber foods.

How to clean your own teeth like a hygienist? ›

Our guidance for you to clean your own teeth like a hygienist, is to adopt this committed mindset.
  1. Brush your teeth twice a day. ...
  2. Consider the benefits of an electric toothbrush. ...
  3. Change your brushes regularly – both manual and electric. ...
  4. Use dental floss or a set of interdental brushes. ...
  5. Choose a fluoride toothpaste.

How to deep clean teeth at home? ›

10 Steps for Deep Cleaning Teeth
  1. Regularly Brush Your Teeth. Let's start with the most obvious, but also the most important, for maintaining proper oral hygiene. ...
  2. Use A Soft Toothbrush. ...
  3. Floss Daily. ...
  4. Remove Debris & Plaque. ...
  5. Use Mouthwash. ...
  6. Practice Professional Cleaning Aftercare. ...
  7. Drink Plenty Of Water.
Mar 22, 2023

How can I clean my teeth 100%? ›

How to Properly Clean Your Teeth in 5 Steps
  1. Brush and Toothpaste. First, the fundamentals. ...
  2. Proper Brushing Technique. Second, technique. ...
  3. Cleaning Your Gums and Tongue. Third, make sure to clean your entire mouth, including your gums and tongue. ...
  4. Floss. ...
  5. Rinse. ...
  6. Additional Good Oral Hygiene Habits.
May 17, 2022

What cleans your teeth the most? ›

Toothbrushes

It should come as no surprise that brushing is the most important and most effective way of keeping your teeth clean. Brushing with an ADA approved toothpaste is the best way of breaking down plaque, clearing away debris, and killing harmful bacteria all at once.

Why wont my teeth stay clean? ›

One of the most common reasons why teeth don't feel clean after being brushed is because the process was rushed. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes every time.

What are 4 ways to protect your teeth? ›

How to protect your teeth
  • Brush several times a day. First and foremost, good oral hygiene starts with brushing several times each day. ...
  • Floss and use mouthwash. ...
  • Use a fluoride treatment. ...
  • Avoid harmful foods and drinks. ...
  • Visit the dentist regularly.

How do I take care of my teeth everyday? ›

To maintain healthy teeth and gums, follow these steps:
  1. Floss at least once per day. ...
  2. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. ...
  3. Use fluoride toothpaste. ...
  4. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if needed. ...
  5. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  6. Avoid sweets and sweetened drinks. ...
  7. Do not smoke.
Jan 24, 2022

How did we take care of our teeth? ›

To do this, brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

How can I take care of my teeth naturally? ›

We have put together 15 ways to strengthen teeth in order to prevent future cavities and decay.
  1. Oil Pulling. ...
  2. Don't Snack. ...
  3. Eat Mineral Rich Foods. ...
  4. Remove refined sugar from your diet. ...
  5. Remove grains from your diet. ...
  6. Clean your tongue. ...
  7. Eat foods high in fat-soluble vitamins. ...
  8. Improve digestion for absorption.

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