Life-Changing Toothbrushing Hacks To Try For A Selfie-Ready Smile

We've been brushing our teeth our whole lives, but it pays to know the best ways you can maximize your oral health. Below, we discuss an effective oral care routine that will help prevent tooth decay, gum issues, and bad breath. 

How To Make Your Oral Care Routine More Effective

1. Gargle with a mouthwash first.

   A dentist on TikTok actually went viral for saying that using mouthwash after brushing your teeth makes our pearly whites more prone to tooth decay. "Your toothpaste that you brush your teeth with has around 1450pp fluoride... [Whereas] your mouthwash has only 220pp fluoride. This is a much lower concentration and it’s not enough to protect your teeth from sugars that you eat and drink. So when you brush your teeth, and you rinse with mouthwash straight away - you just rinse off all the high concentration fluoride, for a low concentration fluoride," she clarified in her video.

   I've actually been taught by an esthetician from a teeth whitening clinic that mouthwash should be gargled first prior to cleaning because it helps soften the debris stuck in between the teeth. So, kids, mouthwash first before the toothbrush!

   

   
   
   

   Listerine Aloe & Cucumber Mouthwash 500ml, P209, Watsons

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2. Then floss!

   Apparently, flossing first before brushing the teeth is recommended, too. According to Healthline, removing the debris stuck between the teeth via flossing will help prevent plaque and tooth decay. The fluoride from the toothpaste will work better once the leftover food has been removed. 

3. Hit the two-minute mark.

   The American Dental Association recommends brushing the teeth for two minutes twice a day. It's important to remove the plaque, aka the layer of bacteria and gunk sitting in on the teeth's surface and in between teeth, to prevent tooth decay and other oral health issues. It's also vital to use a good fluoride toothpaste to effectively clean the teeth.

   

   
   
   

   Sparkle Triple White Toothpaste, P249, Lazada

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4. Don't forget the tongue.

   Bacteria may build up on the tongue, causing bad breath, gum issues, and teeth problems. Clean your tongue with or toothbrush or tongue scraper every time you brush your teeth.

   

   Sigla Shop

   
   
   

   Sigla Tongue Tingler, P175, Sigla Shop

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5. Toothbrushes expire.

   Did you know that your toothbrush has a life span, and it is about two to three months? One good gauge? If the bristles look like they've been parted like the Red Sea, it's time to toss them. Otherwise, your toothbrush won't be as effective in scrubbing your teeth.

6. See a dentist!

   Oral care at home is important, but nothing beats actually seeing a dentist every six months for a check-up. Get a professional cleaning treatment and repair if your dentist spots cavities or any changes in your teeth.

Follow Ira on Instagram.

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Source: Cosmo PH