Cleaning your teeth is the single most important thing you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Cleaning your teeth is something you can do in many ways. Your dentist in Peoria, IL, can give helpful tips to make your teeth-cleaning experience more productive and fruitful. Below, we’ve listed several teeth-cleaning tips to help improve your oral hygiene. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Brush for 2 Minutes Each Time

If you brush your teeth for too long, you can damage your gums and tooth enamel. If the time you spend brushing your teeth is too short, you may not get your teeth clean enough. Two minutes is believed to be the length of time you should spend brushing your teeth.

You can ensure you brush your teeth for long enough by using a timer. Set a timer on your phone, use a sand timer, or use an electric toothbrush that times your brushing.

2. Floss Every Night

Floss your teeth once per day, at night, before going to bed. Flossing helps remove food particles and bacteria from the space between your teeth. Have your dentist show you how to brush your teeth.

3. Use an Electric Toothbrush

Using an electric toothbrush can help keep your teeth clean. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to clean teeth better than manual toothbrushes. Your dentist can recommend an electric toothbrush brand the next time you go to the dentist.

4. Apply Gentle Pressure

You don’t need to scrub your teeth hard when you’re brushing. Apply gentle pressure to your teeth to get rid of the food and bacteria on your tooth enamel.

5. Get a Tutorial From Your Dentist

Your dentist can show you how to brush your teeth. Ask your dentist for a tutorial on toothbrushing the next time you go to the dentist.

6. See the Dentist Every Six Months

Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, see the dentist every six months to get your teeth cleaned in Peoria, IL. During teeth cleaning, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.