Maximizing Oral Health: Easy Ways to Keep Your Mouth Clean, According to Dentists (2024)

It all starts with a routine.

By Olivia Wohlner · Published: Jun 16, 2021

Let’s face it: in this day and age, we’re all busy. Between our jobs, families, passions, hobbies and more, it’s hard to keep track of everything we’re responsible for, and even harder to make time to take care of ourselves properly, too. While self care can often take the back burner in our day-to-day maintaining proper oral health care is imperative to keeping our overall health in check, as poor oral health can lead to an array of harmful conditions, including heart issues.

Amidst all the chaos, dedicating time to our oral health routine falls behind on our list of to-dos, but these top cosmetic dentists are here to walk us through what oral health is, show us easy ways to get it done, and provide a few products that will help us out along the way.

What Are the Basics of Oral Health

The age old question indeed. While we all know that brushing and flossing are important, many of us don’t have a solid grasp on exactly what needs to be done to improve oral health above just the bare minimum. According to Houston cosmetic dentist Guy Lewis, DDS, good oral health starts with brushing, flossing and mouth wash, but it’s a bit more specific than just that. “Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after meals,” Dr. Lewis begins, “Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the back molars and along the gum line. Additionally, replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.”

“Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line,” Dr. Lewis continues, “use dental floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers to clean between teeth effectively. Finally, Dr. Lewis recommends patients “consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and gingivitis,” and urges them to remember that “mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing.” Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald Goldstein, DDS adds that “flossingproperly after meals is ideal, but if you have to compromise, flossing after lunch or dinner will do the trick. Be careful not to ‘guillotine’ the gum tissue that grows between your teeth, especially in your anterior teeth, because it can create unattractive black triangles in your smile.“

How Do I Improve My Oral Health?

“My trick for maintaining a clean mouth and good oral health is an electric toothbrush and brushing for a full two minutes,” says Wellington, FL cosmetic dentistSam S. Sadati, DDS. “While there are a lot of great toothbrush brands out there, the tools are not as important as proper home care and consistency. If you don’t have the time to keep up with a proper oral-care routine, you can both floss and brush while watching T.V. or working to ensure you’re spending enough time to execute both of these important tasks properly. Humans only have one set of adult teeth and those need to last your entire life!”

Diet also plays a huge role in maintaining good oral health. “My first tip is to minimize snacks, especially sugary or acidic ones, and brush every time—yes, every time—you put food in your mouth, unless that food is celery or cucumber,” says Beverly Hills, CA cosmetic dentistKatherine Ahn Wallace, DDS “Bacteria sticks to your teeth within 20 minutes of your teeth being exposed to sugary substances, releasing destructive acids and toxins.Secondly, drink water throughout the day. This will not only directly rinse your mouth but it will keep your saliva thin so it can do a better job of cleansing your mouth continuously.Lastly, always breathe through your nose. If you find that your lips are frequently apart, you are likely also breathing through your mouth. Mouth breathing dries out your mouth, making your saliva viscous and inefficient at cleansing your mouth. This creates an environment conducive for bacterial growth which increases the likelihood of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.”

What Can Bad Oral Health Lead To?

So, what happens if you don’t practice good oral care? More than you’d think, Dr. Lewis points out. “Tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, tooth loss, oral infections, systemic health complications and oral cancer are all possible consequences of not prioritizing oral health.Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings and seeking prompt treatment for any dental issues can help prevent these complications and promote long-term oral and overall health.”

The Best, Dentist-Approved Oral Health Products

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“Those who are beauty and health conscious know their smiles deserve the same attention as their skin and hair, but flossing your teeth isn’t always enjoyable. I recommend Cocofloss ($9), a luxury dental floss designed to change the flossing experience. Cocofloss comes in flavors like strawberry and mango, which are more like fragrances that leave your mouth feeling clean, not fruity. It is noticeably more fibrous than typical floss and you can feel the scrubbing taking place. Best of all, the threads are coated in coconut oil which is naturally soothing to the gum tissue. We all have small ways we splurge for self-care, and this floss is well worth the long-term benefits it brings.”—Powell, OH cosmetic dentistNeal Patel, DDS

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“Good oral hygiene is simplyaccomplished by proper brushing and flossing. One of my favorite product to easily achieve this is Cocofloss ($9), which is infused with coconut oil and has textured filaments that aids in scrubbing the teeth surfaces, helping to remove plaque easily. I personally enjoy using this floss.

Secondly, Oral-B iO Series 9 Electric Tooth Brush ($300) with micro vibration and oscillation is my all-time favorite tooth brush.The round brush head design mimics the professional dental polishing device Iuse at my practice. It also has AI technology that recognizes one’s brushing style and lets you know where you need to brush better. It is like having your dentist with you!”—Beverly Hills cosmetic dentistMarjan Mirani, DDS

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“There are several products that can really help with daily oral hygiene if used each night before bedtime.First, use Hydro Floss Oral Irrigator ($98), which cleans between your teeth and helps to remove any food particles and harmful bacteria left after flossing. I also add a small amount of Listerine into the warm water.Then, toothbrushing can begin either with a manual brush (if done correctly) or by rotary or ultrasonic.The Rotadent ProCare Toothbrush ($99) has soft bristles that gently remove the plaque around the gum lines of the teeth. After electric toothbrushing, I use a Nimbus Toothbrush ($19) with either Fluoridex or Clinpro5000 Extra Strength Fluoride Toothpaste to help prevent decay.”

Implementing this in my everyday life requires dedication to spending the time each evening to do the steps.The secret is to have a small T.V. in your bathroom and watch one of the Jimmys: Jimmy Kimmel or Jimmy Fallon.”—Atlanta cosmetic dentistRonald Goldstein, DDS

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“I recommend brushing and flossing at least two times per day. Most importantly, do not skip out on visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning.

For maintaining a clean mouth, I like TheraSol Oral Irrigant ($13), which was originally designed as a professional strength, highly substantive mouthwash. Despite its strong antimicrobial properties, TheraSol is extremely mild with none of the harsh, burning sensations associated with some brands of commercial mouthwashes. This will also keep the breath smelling fresh.”—Houston cosmetic dentistGuy Lewis, DDS

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“My go-to product for maintaining a clean mouth is the Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush ($170). It cleans so much more efficiently than a manual toothbrush. It also helps to preserve the health of gums by using a pressure indicator that adjusts when you are brushing too hard. It’s an all-around great product to have for a healthy, clean mouth.

Just like anything else, habits take time to form. That being said, I always recommend patients simply continue good dental habits even if they are rushed, tired, late or uninterested. Consistency is key in keeping your mouth clean!”—Chicago cosmetic dentist Nathan Hoffman, DDS

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