How to Clean Adult Teeth

Adult teeth are the permanent teeth that come in following the loss of baby teeth. They usually begin to grow in when you are about 6 years of age. Since these are the teeth you will have for the rest of your life, it is important to take good care of them and clean them properly. Cleaning your adult teeth includes proper brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash

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Instructions

• 1

  Master the proper brushing technique. Clean molars by brushing back and forth along the chewing surface. To clean the outside surface of your teeth, place your brush at a 45-degree angle along the gum line and brush in a small rolling motion, going back and forth over the tooth's surface. Repeat this action for the inside surface of the teeth.

• 2

  Brush your teeth using the technique outlined in Step 1 at least twice each day. Brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking sugary foods, smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee or tea. This will help prevent staining to your tooth enamel.

• 3

  Floss at least once each day after brushing. Grab a 15-inch section of dental floss and wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers until your have about an inch of floss between them.

• 4

  Guide the floss between your teeth. Move the floss down to the gum then ease it underneath the tooth, following the tooth's natural curve. Bring the floss back up then down between the next pair of teeth. Continue until you have flossed every tooth.

• 5

  Take a mouthful of mouthwash and swish it around for 30 seconds. Mouthwash helps to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease. Rinse with mouthwash once each day.