Cleaning Teeth Cheat Sheet

Cleaning teeth daily is the best way to help prevent cavities and early gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of twice-daily toothbrushing and daily flossing as the foundation of a cleaning teeth routine.

How do you know that you are really cleaning your teeth? Give your teeth cleaning technique a check-up by following these tips for complete oral care:

Toothbrushing

Angle is everything. For cleaning teeth effectively, it’s important to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

Less is more. Use small, tooth-sized strokes to brush the surface of each tooth, rather than large, sweeping strokes.
Think in threes. Cleaning teeth includes cleaning all three sides—front, back, and top of the chewing surface.

Flossing

Go Long: The American Dental Association recommends using about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning teeth process.

Slide Smooth: Curve the floss into a C-shape as you slide it up and down along the side of each tooth.
Go All the Way: Don’t forget to floss the back sides of your back teeth on both the left and right of the upper and lower teeth.

Beyond the Brush: Other Cleaning Teeth Methods

In addition to following a complete oral care routine, you can support your cleaning teeth efforts by avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products, eating healthy, and visiting a dental professional regularly.