How to Clean & Whiten Teeth

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, but without good oral hygiene, your teeth can look less than sparkly white. Every time you eat foods containing sugar and starches, the bacteria in your mouth creates plaque acids that attack tooth enamel. If not removed by brushing, plaque can harden to form yellow tartar and get under the gum line, causing gum disease. Smoking and certain foods, such as tea, coffee and red wine, can also stain the surface of teeth. Experts, including the American Dental Association, recommend following a regular dental regime at home using effective products to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Select a suitable toothbrush. Adults should opt for a small to medium size brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles. Specialized toothpastes are available for sensitive teeth and gums. Alternatively, use an electric toothbrush with a small oscillating head.

• 2

  Select a suitable toothpaste. Different toothpastes are formulated for different needs such as gum health, tartar control, sensitive and whitening, but most contain fluoride to prevent decay. Whitening toothpastes usually contain gentle abrasives and chemical stain removers to remove staining in between the crystalline of the enamel. Whitening toothpastes will not lighten the natural color of your teeth.

• 3

  Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush.

• 4

  Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and tilt the bristle tips to a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Move the brush in small circular movements several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth, including the insides and biting surfaces, for around two minutes.

• 5

  Spit out the toothpaste. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly in clean water.

• 6

  Floss to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. Wind about 18 inches of dental floss around the middle fingers of each hand. Holding the floss taut between thumb and forefingers, use a gentle 'rocking' motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Move the floss in a 'C' shape around each tooth up to the gum line.

• 7

  Rinse your mouth with clean water to clear plaque and bacteria.