The number one thing that you can do for your oral health is to follow the best daily teeth routine. By brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day and incorporating things like mouthwash and whitening strips, you can guarantee that your mouth is able to maintain the beautiful smile that you were born with. 

Brushing

Brushing forms the foundation of the best daily teeth routine, but not everyone brushes their teeth with the proper technique. The American Dental Association recommends the following in order to maintain your oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to choose a brush that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all areas easily. 
• Change out your toothbrush every three or four months, or when the bristles become frayed. Worn bristles are not able to effectively clean your mouth.
• Select an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is produced in the mouth and repairs your tooth enamel, the fluoride in the toothpaste will help with this too.

Proper brushing technique

When you have the right toothbrush and the right toothpaste in hand, you are ready to use the proper brushing technique. It is very simple and just takes four steps:

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
2. Gently move the brush back and forth in short, tooth-wide strokes.
3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, angle the brush vertically and make several strokes.

How often should I brush?

Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. This will help remove the residue that is left behind by the bacteria in your mouth. It builds up during the day and at night, so it is important to keep a consistent routine of brushing your teeth twice daily. 

Flossing

Flossing forms the second part of the best daily teeth routine. Flossing removes bacteria from between the teeth, where the brush cannot reach. Sadly, only about 4 in 10 Americans floss their teeth, and only 20% of Americans never floss at all. Just flossing isn’t enough. Floss correctly by following these steps:

1. Get 18 to 24 inches of floss, winding the majority of the floss around your middle fingers. Leave about 1 to 2 inches of floss for your teeth.
2. Hold the floss taut between your thumb and index fingers.
3. Place the floss between two teeth. Gently glide the floss up and down, rubbing it against both sides of the teeth. Try not to scratch or bruise the gums.
4. When the floss reaches your gums, follow the C curve of the floss at the base of the tooth to allow the floss to get between the gums and the teeth. 
5. Repeat these steps as you move from tooth to tooth. Using a clean section of floss with each tooth.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash can also form an important part of the best daily teeth routine. It helps to wash the teeth and gums. Some mouthwashes contain an antiseptic that is used to kill harmful bacteria living between the teeth and the tongue.

Mouthwash does not replace brushing and flossing but can be a complementary part of any routine. Use the mouthwash after brushing your teeth and swish it around, gargling for at least 30 seconds. For best results be sure your mouth is freshly cleaned before use.

Are Whitening Strips Part of the Best Daily Teeth Routine?

Whitening strips are the final step of the best daily teeth routine. Whitening strips should be used once the teeth have been cleaned. They are a convenient and easy way to brighten your smile. 

Most types of whitening strips and are very easy to use. Each brand will come with their own instructions, but be sure to note the number of daily applications, how long each strep should be applied, and how long the regimen should go.

Be sure to apply the strops to your teeth aligned with your gum line. Press the strip against your teeth for the best contact and fold the remainder of the strop behind your teeth.

How often should I have a dental cleaning?

You should aim to see a dentist at least once a year, in addition to following the best daily teeth routine. If you have a periodontal disease you may need to get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent the recurrence of the infectious disease. Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease may also require that you get your teeth cleaned more often. 

If you smoke, quitting smoking will be the best thing you can do for your dental health. Smoking can stain your teeth and cause a number of other oral health issues. If you are not wanting to quit, you may need to get your teeth cleaned more frequently. 

If you think that you want to get your teeth cleaned or speak to one of our experts about the best daily teeth routine and you live in Upland, CA, give the Upland Dental Group & Implant Center a call for your consultation at (909) 985-1966. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer your questions.