Instructions for Cleaning Your Teeth

Cleaning your teeth is important for good oral hygiene. Caring for your teeth, starting as a child, should be part of your daily routine. Having healthy teeth and gums increases the chances of keeping your own teeth throughout your life. By taking just a few minutes every day to clean their teeth, children and adults reduce the chances of cavities, gum disease, bad breath and other dental problems.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Water irrigation system

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Instructions

• 1

  Brush your teeth twice a day. Place toothpaste with fluoride on the toothbrush. Brush all areas and all sides of the teeth. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends brushing your teeth for three to five minutes each time. If your teeth are discolored, try whitening toothpaste. If you smoke, try using tartar control toothpaste.

• 2

  Brush your teeth without toothpaste. Just get the toothbrush wet and brush the teeth as usual. A study reported in the New York Daily News revealed that not using toothpaste removes more plaque from the teeth because the bristles have direct contact with the teeth. Also brush the tongue to remove germs and bacteria.

• 3

  Floss the teeth every day. Tear off a long string of floss for cleaning between the teeth and around the gums where food and germs can hide.

• 4

  Use a water irrigation system. These tools, also known by the brand name Waterpik, clean the teeth in areas that the toothbrush can't reach. The water irrigation system uses attachments that direct a stream of warm water around each tooth for further cleaning. These devices work in a similar way to flossing.

• 5

  Rinse your mouth a few times following every meal. Take a large sip of warm water and swish it in your mouth, then spit it out. This action cleans the teeth by removing food particles and bacteria that grow in your mouth.