Methods for Cleaning Teeth

We all want clean teeth. Even before the first toothbrush was made, people found creative ways to freshen breath and clean teeth. The first toothbrush was invented around the 15th century and was made out of a bamboo stick and Siberian wild boar hair. There are several methods for cleaning teeth and any of them are better than none at all.

Traditional

• Brushing, flossing, and rinsing is a traditional way to keep teeth clean.

  The most typical way to clean teeth is to use a fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush. Simply wet the toothbrush, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto the bristles and softly scrub teeth in a circular motion. Do not swallow toothpaste; instead, spit it into the sink and wash it away. Use dental floss to get plaque and tartar off the teeth. Spit into the sink and rinse with water or mouthwash, according to the directions on the bottle.

On the Fly

• After a meal or snack, chew a piece of sugar-free gum to clean teeth.

  After a meal or snack, it is important to clean teeth. A simple and effective means of achieving clean teeth is by chewing a stick of sugar-free gum. The gum pulls particles of food loose from teeth and the gum line and leaves the teeth sufficiently clean until the next traditional brushing. Another helpful tool for getting food out of teeth is a toothpick. Use it like floss to remove large food particles from between teeth and along the gum line.

Deep Clean

• Using mouthwash to kill germs deep-cleans teeth after brushing and flossing.

  Brushing should be done at least twice a day and flossing is suggested at least once a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Another suggestion for those who want fresh breath and clean teeth is to rinse with an oral antiseptic. This kills the harmful germs that brushing cannot and freshen breath too.

Every Six Months

• Visit the dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and checkup.

  As a rule of thumb, most dentists recommend a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. This ensures no problems arise in the mouth and is a time for the dental hygienist to thoroughly clean you teeth. The six-month checkup is not an alternative to cleaning and flossing your teeth daily. It is a special time to ensure dental health.