Things You'll Need:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
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Step 1
Buy a toothbrush with a firmness suitable for your teeth and gums’ sensitivity needs. Bristles come in soft, medium, and hard texture. It’s recommended that you change your toothbrush around every 3 months or possibly sooner if the bristles become worn.
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Step 2
Use toothpaste with fluoride that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Fluoride is an ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash that helps to prevent tooth decay. There are many different types of toothpastes to choose from such as whitening toothpaste, tartar control, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums. Squeeze an adequate amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. For young children, a small pea-size amount should be enough.
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Step 3
Brush teeth in a circular motion. Be sure to brush your front teeth, molars, the sides of your teeth, and the backs of your teeth. Gently brush your gums as well. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria, food, fungi, and dead cells from the surface of your tongue to help prevent bad breath or halitosis. You can also purchase a tongue scraper if you would prefer not to brush your tongue with your toothbrush. Brush teeth for at least two minutes. Spit out the toothpaste after you’re done brushing.
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Step 4
Floss between your teeth at least once a day. This will help to remove food from in between teeth as well as plaque and tartar build up. Flossing between teeth cleans bacteria your toothbrush isn’t able to reach.
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Step 5
Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water after you’re done brushing and flossing. Most mouthwash contain anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agents and it helps to kill germs and bacteria that cause bad breath.
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Step 6
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and dental cleanings. It is recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year, or once every six months.
