Easy Ways to Keep Your Mouth Clean, According to Four Cosmetic Dentists

“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 ($40), 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 dentist Guy Lewis, DDS

“My go-to product for maintaining a clean mouth is the Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush ($150). 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

“My trick for maintaining a clean mouth is using a good electric toothbrush and brushing for a full two minutes. 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!”

—Wellington, FL cosmetic dentist Sam S. Sadati, DDS 

“Flossing properly 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.

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 ($112) has soft bristles that gently remove the plaque around the gum lines of the teeth.

Implementing this in my every-day 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 dentist