The Six Best Ways to Clean Teeth
Oral hygiene is an important factor in the overall health of your mouth, teeth, and entire body. Not only is it essential for warding off tooth decay and gum disease, but it can also play a significant role in preventing other diseases too. Cleaner teeth are healthier, brighter, and function better, which is why it's important to understand the best ways of taking care of them.
The Most Effective Methods For Cleaning Teeth
6. Toothpicks
Cleaning the spaces between your teeth is important for preventing tooth decay. That's why toothpicks are still a tool worthy of consideration for oral hygiene. Though not as effective as dental floss, they're still useful for removing some debris after snacks or meals. The downside is that they can be too thick sometimes, more uncomfortable, and possibly irritating if poked with the sharp end.
5. Sugar-Free Gum
Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum after snacks and meals can help neutralize acids that are caused by bacteria in plaque. These acids are harmful to your enamel and can contribute to tooth decay over time. The gum helps by stimulating saliva flow which rinses your mouth and also helps to clear away food debris. It's still not as effective as other cleaning methods, but it can be especially useful on the go or for a quick clean after eating.
4. Oral Irrigators/Water Flosser
These devices are a type of water flosser that can clear away debris with nothing more than pressurized water. These devices are more comfortable than dental floss, are easy to use, and work effectively to clear away food debris on your gums, around the tongue, and even between teeth. Though normal dental floss can be more precise when used correctly, the simplicity and general thoroughness make them much more useful and effective to most people.
3. Mouthwash
The best thing about mouthwash is that it kills a significant amount of bacteria that could be causing gingivitis or gum disease. This is usually a good thing, but the chemicals in mouthwash can also be detrimental if overused and severely dangerous if swallowed. Some forms of mouthwash contain fluoride, which can also help prevent cavities. Overall, mouthwashes are best used in addition to other tools, not as a solution in themselves.
2. Dental Floss
Often neglected, but dental floss is extremely important for cleaning the spaces between your teeth where food debris builds up. This debris forms plaque which is harmful to enamel and leads to tooth decay. Floss is one of the easiest and most effective methods of removing this debris. Unlike toothpicks, which can be uncomfortable and cumbersome, floss fits easily between your teeth and leaves little behind when used effectively. Be sure not to floss too hard as to irritate your gums and be sure to wrap it around each tooth securely to remove as much debris as possible.
1. Toothbrushes
It should come as no surprise that brushing is the most important and most effective way of keeping your teeth clean. Brushing with an ADA approved toothpaste is the best way of breaking down plaque, clearing away debris, and killing harmful bacteria all at once. Regular brushing, at least twice a day as recommended, is necessary to maintain your teeth's cleanliness. Overall, brushing is the most essential method of oral hygiene.
Ideal Dental Health
It should be mentioned that a mixture of tools and methods, even all of the above if you're ambitious, is better than relying on any one method in particular. Brushing and flossing together is an especially effective combination, which wouldn't suffer from rinsing with mouthwash now and then either. The important thing is to be consistent, clean your teeth regularly, and have a happier, healthier smile.
For more tips and tricks on cleaning at home, and to get a thorough deep cleaning, be sure to stop by Ideal Dental.