For many of us, tooth brushing after every meal simply isn’t realistic. In fact, most people don’t brush their teeth as much as they should—or even at all—because it just takes too long to do so and we tend to put off tasks that feel like a hassle or take too much time. The end result? We end up with dirty teeth and unhealthy gums that are vulnerable to decay and gum disease. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to this problem! If you want deep teeth cleaning near me, there’s no better approach than a pre-brush rinse with hydrogen peroxide (HP).
If you can only do one thing…
Flossing is without a doubt one of the most important steps in cleaning your teeth, but there are plenty of people who can’t or won’t floss their teeth. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, you should do something. Even if you don’t have time for a full brushing and flossing routine every day, try using an alternative method to clean your teeth after every meal. Try using a disposable dental pick—it might feel awkward at first, but it will help get rid of plaque and food between your teeth. Just dip it in mouthwash or baking soda and use it to scrape any food particles off your teeth. This simple trick can reduce tooth pain and significantly improve oral health.
Use a Waterpik
If you want healthy teeth, one of your best weapons is a Waterpik. A Waterpik uses pressurized water to blast food particles and plaque out from between your teeth. If you have an extra five minutes in your morning routine, invest that time into using a Waterpik instead of your traditional toothbrush—you’ll find that it deep cleans better than brushing alone and leaves a fresh-from-the-dentist feeling after every use. You can buy a high-quality model for $40 online or at any local drugstore (which is how I discovered them) and probably get another few years out of it.
Keep your toothbrush upright
To clean deeper into your teeth, a simple toothbrush trick is to keep your toothbrush upright. According to Dr. Katz, keeping your toothbrush straight will help you reach further back on your teeth without having to over-apply pressure and potentially damage gum tissue. If you notice any of your bristles starting to fray or wear down—which can happen after about six months of use—it’s time for a new brush. A worn-out brush may not be reaching as far into deep crevices in your mouth and gums, which means you aren’t getting an effective cleaning.
Get a deep clean with baking soda & hydrogen peroxide
Many people take tooth brushing and flossing for granted, but a quick visit to your dentist will remind you that there’s a better way. This helps remove some of that nasty plaque from surfaces your brush simply can’t reach. After five minutes, simply rinse out your mouth and follow up with your regular brushing routine. Baking soda can also make an effective substitute for toothpaste (use about half as much) because it is abrasive enough to gently cleanse teeth without being too harsh on gums.
Whiten your teeth at home
You can easily whiten your teeth at home with ingredients you probably already have lying around. Start by brushing for two minutes twice a day with a basic toothpaste, like Colgate Total Whitening. Then, add in these three secret weapons: hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and salt. To get super white teeth that no one will believe are yours, mix up a paste of 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda plus enough salt to form a paste. Brush with it as you normally would (one additional minute is recommended) and rinse thoroughly. Store any leftover concoction in an airtight container for future use.
Try oil pulling
Brushing your teeth is important, but if you really want to make sure that plaque doesn’t build up between your teeth and gums, you need a soft-bristled brush (like those recommended by dentists) and flossing once a day. For deeper cleaning, get in there with an old-fashioned dental pick. If you can’t find one at your local pharmacy or drugstore, grab some plastic kitchen tongs (or any thin metal utensil that has a pointy tip). Dip it in hot water for 30 seconds, then use it just like a tooth cleaning near me—going as deep into your gums as possible. Give each tooth a good poke and scrape every surface of each tooth: top and bottom; inside and out.
Take care of your gums
Good oral health starts with a great routine and not just tooth brushing. Another important step is learning how to take care of your gums. Brushing your teeth alone can’t remove all of that plaque—and if you don’t regularly floss, brushing alone won’t do much good for overall oral health. If you’re looking for ways to improve oral hygiene, then here are a few tips: 1) Use a soft-bristled toothbrush; 2) Brush at least twice daily; 3) Floss daily; 4) Schedule professional cleanings every six months or as needed. Also, be sure and talk with our dentists if you have any questions about proper brushing techniques. Our team would love to help!
