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I’ve gotten a lot of requests to write how I keep my teeth white/dental hygiene routine-type post. So I’m going to be showing you guys the products that I use regularly, like my toothbrush and my toothpaste and my floss and so on and so forth, and I’ll also talk a little bit about maybe habits that I have that I think might help keep my teeth whiter as well.

I don’t really have anything else to say to preface this, so I’m just going to go ahead and jump right into my daily routine.

Listerine Healthy White Vibrant Multi-Action Fluoride Mouth Rinse

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So when it comes time for me to start getting the teeth clean, the first product that I use is the Listerine Whitening multi-action whitening rinse. I started using this product fairly recently, and throughout my life I’ve typically used mouthwash last in my routine, like after I’ve brushed and flossed, then I would use a mouthwash. But this actually says on the back, “Before brushing, rinse full strength for 16 seconds with half a fluid ounce.”

So I use this before I brush my teeth, and I’m absolutely in love with this product. It is the best mouthwash that I have ever used, because I love the taste, I love the clean feeling it gives in my mouth, but also I can actually see a whitening difference with it, which is a first for me, because I know it’s a little bit controversial, some people say that you can’t really get any whitening results with mouth rinses because they aren’t exposed to your teeth long enough. And until this product, I’ve not had any luck with that.

I used a Crest whitening rinse before this one and I really didn’t see much of a difference. But I don’t know what it is about this, but I feel like my teeth are actually getting whiter with using this. I don’t know if it’s because after I use it, there’s still a little bit of foam residue on my teeth and then I brush that further into my teeth, if that’s what it is, but I highly recommend this product.

Aquafresh Extreme Clean Whitening Action Toothpaste

Then after I use my Listerine mouthwash, I then brush my teeth, and the toothpaste that I’m currently using is the AquaFresh Extreme Clean whitening action in mint blast. This is the first tube of this that I’ve used, and I bought it based on hearing some really great recommendations for it. I tend to be a Crest girl when it comes to toothpaste, that’s just the brand that I typically gravitate toward, but I decided to switch things up and try something from AquaFresh, and I do really like this toothpaste. It keeps my teeth looking nice and white.

However, it doesn’t wow me any more than other great whitening toothpastes that I’ve used, which means that either they’re all very similar or I haven’t found that secret weapon toothpaste that’s out there somewhere yet. But I do really like this and I also like the taste.

Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

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And then obviously I can’t brush my teeth without a toothbrush. So the toothbrush that I use is from Sonicare. I love Sonicare toothbrushes. I’ve been using them for like over 10 years now, and in that 10 years I’ve only had two. This is my second one that I’ve ever had. So they last a really long time.

I definitely recommend an electric toothbrush, as I’m pretty sure every dentist does as well. Every dentist I’ve ever been to has recommended in electric toothbrush. I just feel like it gets my teeth so much cleaner because the bristles can really get down in those crevices and in between the teeth and really get all of the food and everything else out of there. So Sonicare makes great toothbrushes. I believe Oral B has a really nice line as well. There’s a bunch of different ones out there, but I definitely recommend an electric toothbrush. They’re super easy, because you just put them on a stand and charge them and then they’ll stay charged for a couple of weeks even.

Steripod Clip-on Toothbrush Protector

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And then when I’m not using my toothbrush, I like to have a little steripod clipped on it, which is just a clip that goes right over the bristles, and it has this little thing inside that releases germ fighting vapors to kill bacteria on the bristles, because when you think about it, of all places to keep a toothbrush, the bathroom is the grossest, because every time you flush a toilet there are particles that fly up in the air and spread around and fall on things, and some of those things you end up putting in your mouth to brush your teeth, and that’s actually really, really gross.

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It’s also really nice for travel too, because it covers the bristles, so you can pack your toothbrush and not worry about your bristles getting all dinged up. So these are really easy. You just replace them every three months. They come in a bunch of different fun colors. I know you can get them at Bed, Bath and Beyond, but I’ll also have a link where you can find where you can get these.

Orabrush Tongue Cleaner

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Then after I’ve brushed my teeth, it is time to clean the tongue, because I don’t know what the exact statistic is, but isn’t it like 90% of bad breath comes from a dirty tongue rather than not brushing your teeth, it’s from not cleaning your tongue, something like that. It’s a really high number.

So to clean my tongue, I just put a little bit of toothpaste on an Orabrush and scrub it really well. And I believe you can find these everywhere. I’ve seen them in pretty much every drug store, grocery store that I have looked in the dental aisle. This works really well. It has a really nice wide area with some bristles. So I just put a little bit of toothpaste on there, really scrub my tongue down, and it just makes it nice and clean and makes my breath smell really nice and fresh.

Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss

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Then after I’ve brushed my teeth, it is time to floss. And the floss that I’m currently using is the Oral B Glide Pro-Health deep clean floss in cool mint. And I really like this because I feel like it’s very efficient for a floss. With some flosses, I feel like you have to go in between each tooth maybe twice or three times to really get everything out of there. But this is really good at catching everything all in one swipe.

The actual floss is kind of like a ribbon. It’s flat and a little bit wider, which I think helps grab all of those particles between your teeth, and it’s soft so it doesn’t cut my gums at all or anything. And overall, I just really like it.

Caring for my teeth

So that is my daily dental hygiene routine, and I do that morning and night. And then for keeping my teeth clean on the go, I will sometimes use the Colgate Optic White Wisp Disposable Mini Toothbrush, Cool Mint 24 Count (Pack of 4). And you don’t need water with this or anything. They’re a disposable toothbrush, and they have a little pick at the end if you need to get food out of your teeth. So I don’t use these that often, but I do like to keep them on me just in case I’m out and I feel like I need to clean my teeth a little bit on the go.

And then as far as whitening treatments go, I recommend using the Crest white strips. I used them maybe four or five months ago, and I could see a difference with them brightening up my teeth a little bit, but I don’t do any whitening treatments regularly. I don’t use bleaching trays or anything like that to keep my teeth white regularly.

Tips for Keeping Teeth White (Updated)

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And then as far as my habits go, one thing that really works in my favor is I don’t drink coffee ever. I hate the taste of coffee, and I know that coffee is really bad at staining the teeth. So that’s something that works in my favor. I do drink dark tea sometimes, but maybe only one or two days a week. So I don’t feel like I do that enough to really make a difference on my teeth. If you are going to drink dark liquids and you’re concerned with staining your teeth, I would recommend drinking through a straw, because then the liquid doesn’t touch your teeth as much as it does when you’re sipping it. I know that that’s what dentists recommend, if you do have to drink something, drink it through a straw and then it won’t affect your teeth as much.

So that is how I keep my teeth white and the products that I use regularly to take care of them. If you use anything that you really love for your teeth, please let me know what it is. If you use an amazing whitening toothpaste, I would love to hear what it is, because I feel like I’m still on the hunt for that secret, best one on the market. So if you use something great, please tell me what it is.

FAQ

What is the best oral hygiene routine?

Brush, floss, and rinse daily.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and before bed time) and floss at least once a day. Better still, brush after every meal and snack. These activities remove plaque, which if not removed, combines with sugars to form acids that lead to tooth decay

What are the basics of oral hygiene?

Oral health begins with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease, while keeping your tooth surfaces clean can help you stave off cavities and gum disease. Consider these brushing basics: Brush your teeth twice a day.

How do you maintain oral hygiene?

Six Top Tips To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene And Take Care Of Your Teeth And Mouth!

What is a good oral hygiene?

For a healthy smile, you must practice good oral hygiene every day. Brushing after meals, using antimicrobial mouthwash, and flossing at least once per day helps to keep these disease-causing bacteria from reproducing in your mouth, and causing tooth decay

Should I brush first or floss first?

Should I brush or floss first? Either way is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job. Some people like to floss before brushing to better ensure that any material between teeth is swept out of the mouth. Others prefer to first clean their mouth by brushing before working with floss between their teeth

What is proper oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. It involves habits such as brushing twice a day and having regular dental checkups. … Without treatment, tooth decay or gum problems can lead to pain, problems with self-confidence, and tooth loss

What is the purpose of oral hygiene?

The purpose of oral hygiene is to prevent the buildup of plaque, the sticky film of bacteria and food that forms on the teeth.

What are the principles of oral hygiene?

In health care, the main normative principles are nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. These principles are associated with expectations for behavior, and they provide guidelines in dealing with right and wrong actions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWEEPSWT3mI

Avoiding Staining Foods and Beverages: Which Foods to Limit or Avoid

We all know that certain foods and beverages can leave unsightly stains on our teeth, but did you know that some are worse than others? If you want to keep your smile bright and beautiful, it’s important to know which ones to avoid or limit.

First and foremost, acidic foods and drinks are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to staining teeth. This is because they can erode the enamel, making it easier for pigments to penetrate and stain the dentin below. So, if you’re looking to maintain a white, healthy smile, it’s a good idea to avoid or limit foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings, as well as drinks like soda, sports drinks, and citrus juices.

Another group of foods to watch out for are those that are intensely pigmented or deeply colored. While they may be healthy and nutritious choices, they can also leave stains on your teeth that are hard to brush away. Examples include berries (especially blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries), beets, and dark sauces like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. If you’re going to eat these foods, try to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward to help minimize staining.

Lastly, there are some foods and drinks that are simply best avoided if you want to keep your teeth looking their best. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark chocolate. Not only are they prone to staining, but they can also cause bad breath and tooth decay if consumed in excess. If you can’t live without your morning cup of coffee or glass of red wine, try to drink them through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, and brush or rinse your mouth afterward to remove any residual pigments.

In short, if you want to keep your teeth looking pearly white, it’s important to be mindful of the foods and drinks that can cause staining. By avoiding or limiting acidic, pigmented, and dark-colored foods, and taking steps to minimize contact with your teeth, you can help maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.

Brushing Techniques: The Right Way to Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth may seem like a mundane task, but it is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Proper brushing techniques can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. However, it is not just about brushing your teeth; it is about brushing your teeth correctly. Here are some tips on how to brush your teeth efficiently and keep your smile healthy.

Firstly, choose the right toothbrush. Look for a toothbrush with soft bristles and a comfortable grip. Hard bristles can damage your gums, and an uncomfortable grip can make brushing uncomfortable. When brushing, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and brush in a circular motion. Avoid scrubbing back and forth, as this can wear down your enamel and cause sensitivity. Be sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth, front, and back.

Secondly, take your time and brush for at least two minutes. Most people rush through brushing, but taking your time ensures that all the surfaces are cleaned thoroughly. If you have trouble keeping track of time, try setting a timer or playing a song that is two minutes long. Focus on each tooth, ensuring that the bristles get in between the teeth and along the gum line.

Lastly, don’t forget to clean your tongue. Bacteria can accumulate on your tongue, leading to bad breath and the potential transfer of bacteria to your teeth. Gently brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove any bacteria.

In conclusion, brushing your teeth is not an activity that should be taken lightly. Proper brushing techniques can make all the difference in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Take your time, choose the right toothbrush, and make sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth. Remember to clean your tongue for maximum oral hygiene benefits. With the right brushing techniques, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

Combining Oral Health with Overall Wellness: The Connection Between Physical and Oral Health

There is a strong relationship between oral health and overall wellness that many people may not be aware of. It is important to understand that dental health is not just about having a pretty smile or white teeth, but also has a direct impact on the health of your entire body. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene can lead to several health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The mouth is a vital gateway to the body and maintaining oral health can contribute to the overall health and wellness of an individual.

Research has suggested that one of the most significant connections between oral health and overall wellness is related to cardiovascular disease. The oral cavity is filled with bacteria, many of which can be harmful to the body. When there is an accumulation of bacteria and plaque in the mouth, it can travel through the bloodstream and attach to artery walls causing inflammation and damage. This damage increases the risk of heart disease or stroke.

In addition, poor oral health has been linked to diabetes. High blood sugar levels can lead to gum problems which, in turn, makes diabetes difficult to manage as the bacteria present in the mouth can cause a vicious cycle of increased inflammation and insulin resistance. This demonstrates the importance of the link between oral health and overall wellness.

Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent several diseases and conditions, and contribute to an individual’s overall wellness. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year are crucial steps in maintaining oral health, and ultimately, protecting overall health. By recognizing the connection between oral health and overall wellness, individuals can take proactive steps to lead a healthier life.