How to Cleanse the Mouth

In order to keep the structures in your mouth fresh, clean and effective, it is important that you follow an easy everyday routine. This will help support a healthy mouth, prevent embarrassing bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay and other oral problems.

Things You'll Need

• Tongue scraper
• Dental floss
• Toothbrush
• Antibacterial mouth wash

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a tongue scraper to sweep the food debris, dead cells, fungi and bacterial build-up from the surface of your tongue. It is recommended to use a tongue cleaner before eating and not after. This prevents the toxic build up on your tongue from getting swallowed together with liquids and foods. Put the tongue scraper in your mouth and reach as far back as possible and scrape from the back of the tongue to the front with firm pressure. Use a mirror to help you. Do this every day especially before and after eating.

• 2

  Rinse your mouth with water to help loosen food particles. This can also help prevent a lot of food particles from sticking to your toothbrush. Swish the water around in your mouth for about 30 seconds and spit out.

• 3

  Gently floss between each of your teeth. Flossing, together with brushing is the most effective method of keeping your teeth free from plaque buildup and tooth decay. There are numerous varieties of floss available including waxed, woven and unwaxed dental floss. Use woven floss if you have large spaces between your teeth. If your teeth are close together or crowded, waxed floss would work best. Always floss after each meal.

• 4

  Brush your teeth properly. Moisten your toothbrush under running water and apply enough toothpaste that will cover the brush head. Start with your upper back teeth on the left side and work your way to the right side using circular motions for about 30 seconds. Make sure to get between the gums. After 30 seconds, brush all your lower teeth in a circular motion for another 30 seconds. Make sure to brush both the front and back sides of your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

• 5

  Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. This will help remove any plaque remaining in between your teeth after brushing and flossing. It can also help freshen your breath and prevent the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. There are a wide variety of antibacterial mouthwashes to choose from at your local drugstore.