Alternate Ways to Clean Your Teeth

Brushing teeth has turned into a science with dentists discovering that while the traditional methods of brushing -- using long horizontal brushing strokes -- may benefit your teeth in the short-term, it does them no good over longer periods. Teeth simply aren't built for that amount of wear and tear over the course of a life. Choose gentle products, brush your teeth in a circular motion instead and look out for alternative ways to maintain your oral hygiene.

Homemade Toothpaste

• Mint makes a great natural breath freshener

  Search your cupboards at home to make homemade toothpaste. Baking soda with a drop of water is a good option as it has abrasive properties, which help to get between the nooks and crannies of your teeth. It also has teeth-whitening properties.

  Make a mint toothpaste by mashing mint leaves with sea-salt or a mouthwash by boiling the leaves with ginger and sea-salt. You can use your forefinger instead of a toothbrush.

  Dry some lemons in the sun. Once the skin hardens, peel them and blend the rind to dust. Add a lot of cinnamon and sea salt and mix vigorously. Use this as toothpaste.

Homemade Mouthwash

• Boil water and add cloves when it reaches boiling point. Take it off the heat and put a lid on it. Once the water cools you can use it as a mouthwash.

  As an alternative way of using mouthwash, soak a clean cloth in water with a capful of mouthwash. Wring it out and then use it to wipe down the surface of your teeth.

  Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating to inhibit plaque buildup.

Other Methods

• Cleaning your teeth in the shower can be invigorating.

  Keep your teeth clean by opening your mouth when you're in the shower and let the warm water flood your mouth and over your teeth. This will wash away any gathered plaque.

  Chew sugar-free gum. As you chew, the gum will remove bacteria and plaque accumulation, and freshen your breath.