Keeping your teeth clean is one of the best things you can do for your health. Clean teeth mean fewer cavities, fresher breath, and healthy teeth and gums for life. Good oral health is even linked to better overall health. So what are the best tools for the job? Here are the six best ways to clean your teeth, counting down to number one.
The Most Effective Ways to Clean Your Teeth
6. Toothpicks
Toothpicks can help you remove food stuck between your teeth after a meal. They're handy on the go, but they're not as effective as floss. They can also poke and irritate your gums if you press too hard. Use them gently, and think of them as a backup — not a replacement for flossing.
5. Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals gets your saliva flowing. Saliva rinses away food bits and helps neutralize the acids that plaque bacteria make. Those acids are what wear down enamel and cause tooth decay. Gum won't remove plaque, but it's a smart habit when you can't brush right away.
4. Water Flossers
A water flosser (also called an oral irrigator) uses a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline. It's gentle, easy to use, and great for people with braces or sensitive gums. String floss can be more precise, but a water flosser is a solid choice if it helps you clean between your teeth every day.
3. Mouthwash
Mouthwash kills bacteria that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Many rinses also contain fluoride, which strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Mouthwash works best as a finishing step after brushing and flossing — not as a shortcut around them.
2. Dental Floss
Flossing is one of the most skipped steps — and one of the most important. Floss reaches the tight spaces between your teeth where a toothbrush can't go. That's where plaque and food build up and cause decay. Floss once a day, curving the floss around each tooth. Be gentle so you don't irritate your gums.
1. Your Toothbrush
No surprise here: brushing is the single best way to clean teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Brushing helps remove plaque, clears away food, and delivers fluoride to protect your enamel. Replace your brush every three months, or sooner if the bristles fray.
Don't Skip Professional Dental Cleanings
Even a perfect home routine can't do everything. Plaque that stays on teeth hardens into tartar, and only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. (Here's how tartar is removed from teeth.)
That's why regular dental checkups matter. Visit the dentist every six months for an exam and a professional cleaning. Your hygienist will polish away buildup and stains, and your dentist can catch small problems early. Some visits may include a fluoride treatment for extra cavity protection. If it's been a while, your dentist may recommend a deeper cleaning — here's the difference between regular and deep dental cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Teeth
What is the best way to clean teeth at home?
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Together, those two habits remove most plaque before it can harden into tartar. Mouthwash and a water flosser are helpful extras.
Is brushing alone enough to keep teeth clean?
No. A toothbrush can't reach between your teeth or under the gumline. Add daily flossing, and see your dentist for regular dental cleanings to remove anything you miss.
How often should you get a professional cleaning?
Most people should visit the dentist every six months. If you build tartar quickly or have gum problems, your dentist may suggest more frequent dental cleanings.
Keep Your Smile Clean With Ideal Dental
The winning formula is simple: brush, floss, rinse, and keep up with professional cleanings. Ready for that fresh-from-the-dentist feeling? Learn about our general and preventative care or find your nearest Ideal Dental — locations are open Saturdays to fit your schedule.