How to Clean & Polish Teeth

Proper dental care is important for the health of your teeth and mouth. Cleaning your teeth daily and polishing them will not only keep them beautiful but healthy, as well. Prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other problems that result from dental neglect. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Teach children about dental hygiene from a young age so they will build a lifelong habit.

Things You'll Need

• Floss
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Floss

  Floss your teeth to remove debris before cleaning your teeth. Pull floss taut between your thumb and pointer finger and slide gently between each tooth. Make sure to get the teeth in the back.

• 2

  Brush your teeth with a small-headed toothbrush that has soft or medium bristles. Never use hard bristles because this can aggravate the gums. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your mouth. Use small, gentle circles brushing the front and back of your teeth. Brush for at least two minutes and don't forget your tongue.

• 3

  Polish teeth with an electric toothbrush as the final step of your cleaning. To polish teeth you can purchase a tooth whitening polish or regular tooth polish at a retailer. To naturally polish your teeth, brush them with a little baking soda, a natural whitening agent and cleanser. Avoid brushing with the baking soda every day; it can be abrasive to the tooth enamel. Alternate with other types of tooth polish for best results.

• 4

  Rinse with mouthwash daily to freshen breath and kill bacteria.