Keeping Your Smile: Tips for Cleaning Your Teeth

Whether you are using dentures or still possess your natural teeth, it is important that you follow proper dental hygiene techniques for keeping your smile clean and healthy. While we all know that we need to regularly brush our teeth, there are other actions you can do to keep your mouth and teeth as clean as possible. Most of these are simple habits you can easily add to your daily routine to keep your natural smile for as long as possible. For those with dentures, these tips are also a good way to ensure your dentures remain in top condition now and into the future.

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Our Top Teeth Cleaning Tips

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

We are all taught this when we are young, but people still fail to follow this simple rule. By regularly brushing your teeth you are removing plaque and bacteria, which in turn reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Your second brush should be saved right before you head to bed to eliminate all the germs that have built up throughout the day.

Regularly Brush Your Tongue

While we all know to brush our teeth, one of the most overlooked ways for keeping your smile healthy is to regularly brush your tongue. This helps to remove any plaque build-up, which in turns help to minimise the risk of bad breath and other oral health problems. Simply give your tongue a brush while you brush your teeth to keep your mouth clean and protected.

Use the Right Toothpaste

With so many toothpaste brands and variations on the market, it can be hard to figure out which are the best. Fluoride is generally recommended as it helps to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and free of decay. Specialised toothpaste is available for each situation, such as if you suffer from cavities, while denture toothpaste can also be purchased to keep your dentures clean and sanitised.

Always Floss

Another one of the most overlooked teeth cleaning tips is to regularly floss in between your teeth to remove food debris. If left alone, this debris can cause plaque to build-up and damage your oral health. Try to floss once a day, after brushing your teeth, to remove germs and to help lower the risk of inflammation.

Rinse with Mouthwash

An easy way to help make your mouth feel refreshed and clean is to rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing. Along with providing fresh breath, this also helps to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Rinse for 30 seconds and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterwards to enjoy the full benefits.

Drink Plenty of Water

Keeping your smile healthy can be as easy as drinking water, as it helps to maintain saliva. This in turn results in a healthier mouth, while washing away any food debris that has been left behind. You should aim to drink at least two litres of water a day, which also helps to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Cut Back on Sugary Foods and Drinks

Eating too many sugary, acidic, or processed foods can cause damage to your tooth enamel, which in turn increases your risk of tooth decay and other oral heath problems. It can be hard to avoid these foods completely, especially if you love a sweet treat, so instead try to limit your intake to increase your oral and general health.

Regularly Visit Your Dentist

While the above teeth cleaning tips are all useful, nothing is more beneficial than paying a visit to your local dentist. Along with examining the state of your teeth, they will be able to provide advice tailored to your exact situation. We recommend seeing your dentist every six months to ensure your oral health is always on the right track.