Dental hygiene is something most people learn about from a young age. And even if it isn't your favorite thing in the world, most of us know how important it is to go to the dentist regularly.
But when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as can be, Dr. Michael Wei, a dentist in New York City says that maintaining a proper care routine between appointments is "crucial."
While you're likely already aware (though we all occasionally need a reminder), prosthodontist Dr. Samantha Rawdinsays there are two things that you should be doing at minimum every day: Brushing twice with a toothpaste that contains a remineralizing agent —more on that later — and flossing at least once.
Below, we spoke with the dentists about the right way to do each (because, yes, there's a right way) as well as all the products that can help you maintain your oral health between appointments.
How to properly brush your teeth | How to properly floss | Best toothpaste, according to dentists | Best floss, according to dentists | How to choose the right toothbrush | Best electric toothbrushes | More of the best oral health products | How we chose | FAQs | Meet our experts
How to properly brush your teeth"Proper brushing technique and consistency are key to maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental issues," Wei says. But both dentists say that there are some common mistakes they see people making when brushing. Here are their biggest tips:
- Use proper technique: "The proper way to brush is to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums so the edge of the bristles can just tuck under the gums," Rawdin says. "That’s where plaque likes to hide."
Additionally, you don't want to scrub back and forth with the brush. "You actually want to make tiny circles," she adds. However, if you're using an eclectic toothbrush, it will do the work for you and you can simply "walk it along the gum line and on the biting surfaces."
- Use a toothpaste with a remineralizing agent: To help protect against decay, you want to make sure your toothpaste contains a remineralizing agent. The most common one is fluoride, but Rawdin says, "Studies show that nanohydroxyapatite can be just as effective."
- Brush for at least two minutes: "Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth to ensure you’re reaching all areas in your mouth," Wei says.
- Don't forget your tongue: "Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh," Wei says.
When it comes to maintaining good oral health, Wei says that "proper flossing is just as important as brushing." Below, the dentists share their tips on how to get the most from your daily flossing session. (Or sessions if you're an overachiever.)
- Use enough floss: You're probably not using as much floss as you actually need. Wei says you should be using around 18 inches. "This will give you a clean piece of floss for each tooth."
- Be gentle: When guiding the floss between your teeth use a gentle back-and-forth motion to shimmie it down. "Avoid snapping the floss into your gums, as this can cause injury," Wei says.
- Form a “C” shape: Once the floss is between the teeth, Rawdin says, "You’ll want to wrap the floss around the tooth in a C-shape to hug the surface and pass the floss up and down a couple of times to make sure you’re wiping any plaque off of the surface. Repeat for the side of the adjacent tooth before you pop the floss out from between the teeth.”
- Use clean sections: "As you move from tooth to tooth, use a clean section of floss to avoid spreading bacteria," Wei says.
For sensitive teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste
What we like
- Formulated for sensitive teeth
Something to note
- Reviewers note no safety seal
Size: 3.4 oz | Flavor(s): Extra Fresh, Mint
For those with sensitive teeth, Rawdinrecommends Sensodyne. The toothpaste features fluoride, so the brand says it can help protect against cavities and repair acid-weakened enamel surfaces.
For healthy gums: Parodontax Complete Protection Toothpaste
What we like
- Formulated to prevent bleeding
Something to note
- Reviewers note off-white color
Size: 3.4 oz | Flavor(s): Pure Fresh Mint
Rawdin says that Paradontax's toothpaste "works really well" for those with bleeding gums. Made for those with gingivitis, it's said to help freshen breath, reduce inflammation and remove plaque. The brand says it also gently removes surface stains to help whiten teeth.
A fluoride-free option: Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste
What we like
- Formulated to remineralize
Something to note
- Few customer reviews
Size: 3.4 oz | Flavor(s): Delicious Mint
For anyone looking for a non-fluoride option, Rawdin likes this one from Cocofloss. It's formulated with nano-hydroxyapatite, which the brand says fills in microcracks and tooth imperfections. Plus, it features baking soda to help gently whiten teeth.
A whitening pick: Colgate Optic White Whitening Toothpaste
What we like
- Formulated to remove stains
Something to note
- Reviewers note minimal foaming
Size: 3.2 oz | Flavor(s): Sparkling White
For those looking for a toothpaste that whitens as it cleans, Dr. Pia Lieb, a dentist at Cosmetic Dentistry Center NYC, previously recommended this one to us. The brand says that when used twice a day for two weeks, it can remove up to five years of stains.
Best floss, according to dentistsThe traditional floss: Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss
What we like
- Thicker thread
Something to note
- Caution those with tight teeth
Size: 33 yd | Flavor(s): Pure Strawberries
While Rawdin says that any string floss is great, Cocofloss is her favorite. "The ingredients are clean, the packaging is made from recyclable materials and no other floss makes my teeth feel cleaner," she shares.
Dr. Lawrence Fung of Silicon Beach Dental is also a fan, as he says that the different scents help encourage people to floss consistently.
A budget-friendly option: Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Dental Floss
What we like
- Waxed coating improves glide
Something to note
- Some reviewers note shredding
Size: 43.7 yd | Flavor(s): Cool Mint, Mint, Unflavored
Dr. Brett Loeser, a dentist in New Jersey, previously shared that he recommends Glide's wax floss to patients with tight teeth, as it makes it easier to capture and remove plaque.
For those on the go: DenTek Triple Clean Advanced Clean Floss
What we like
- User-friendly pick design
Something to note
- Some reviewers note thin floss
Size: 150 floss picks | Flavor(s): Mouthwash Blast
Flossers that have a handle and pre-strung floss can make it easier to reach between teeth, especially for those with dexterity issues or braces, Wei says.
These are bestseller and top-rated product on Amazon with more than 66,000 five-star ratings. For under $5, you'll get a pack of 150.
For a deeper clean: Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser
Tips: 4 | Color(s): Blue, Black, Gray, White
"Water flossers are a nice adjunct to brushing and flossing and are great for patients with bridges or implants," Rawdin says. Though, she adds that because they can’t scrape the sides of the teeth, they shouldn't be a replacement for regular floss.
How to choose the right toothbrushWhen shopping for a toothbrush, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The type of bristles you have are especially important — you should only choose ones with soft or extra-soft bristles“to prevent damage to your gums and tooth enamel,” Wei says. He adds that you also want to make sure that the head of the toothbrush fits comfortably in your mouth and can easily reach all the areas of your teeth.
While conventional models will do the trick, electric toothbrushes can make the process easier. “I love an electric toothbrush because they do the work for you,” Rawdin says. “No need to rely on scrubbing to get the teeth clean.”
Ultimately though, Wei says. “The best toothbrush is one that you will use consistently and effectively to maintain good oral hygiene.”
Best electric toothbrushes, according to dentistsAvailable with a subscription: Quip Sonic Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Up to 3 months per charge
Something to note
- Replacement head sold separate
Color(s): Black, Midnight, Ocean Blue, Pink | Speeds: One
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Kantor of Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York City previously recommended this toothbrush from Quip that is simple to use and effectively cleans teeth. He also appreciates that the brand offers a subscription service for toothbrush heads to help people remember to switch theirs out on a regular schedule.
A long-lasting option: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Reviewers note long lifespan
Something to note
- Not the longest battery life
Color(s): Black, Pink | Speeds: 3
“The amazing configuration of bristles on this electric toothbrush makes you actually feel like the bristles are getting in between the teeth and the vibrating power of the brush leaves your mouth feeling like your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, as if they had been done in a dental office,” Kantor previously shared with us.
Splurge-worthy: Oral-B 6000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush
What we like
- Sold in a pack of two
Something to note
- Reviewers note slow shipping
Color(s): Black and White | Speeds: Five
Fung owns an Oral-B brush and loves that the spinning head can reach every nook and cranny in the mouth.
“Like a regular toothbrush, you should replace your brush head about every three months. But if the bristles are fraying before you hit that three-month mark, go ahead and change it,” he advised.
For sensitive teeth: Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100
What we like
- Reviewers like pressure sensor
Something to note
- Some reviewers note it's noisy
Color(s): Black, White | Speeds: Three
Rawdin shares that this is one of the toothbrushes that she always recommends to patients, as it has a pressure sensor to let you know when you're brushing too hard.
More of the best oral health products, according to dentistsListerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash
What we like
- Pleasant flavor
- Doesn't burn, per reviews
Something to note
- Some say it's not as strong
Size: 33.8 oz | Flavor(s): Cool Mint
While not essential to your routine, Wei says that mouthwashcan help kill bacteria and freshen breath.
Fung recommends using the Listerine brand which includes essential oils. This one is infused with a cool mint flavor to reveal fresh breath instantly. He mentions that this brand has been proven to combat gingivitis when used once a day for 30-second rinses.
ACT Restoring Zero Alcohol Fluoride Mouthwash
What we like
- No burning sensation
- Good for sensitive teeth
Something to note
- Some dislike flavor
Size: 33.8 oz | Flavor(s): Gentle Mint
Dr. Mina Kim of Bryant Park Dentalpreviously shared with us that she likes this mouthwash because you can get it over the counter and it is alcohol-free.
MasterMedi Tongue Scraper
What we like
- Easy to use
- Works well
- Comes with travel case
Something to note
- Some noted quick tarnishing
Material(s): Stainless Steel, Copper
According to Wei, tongue scrapers can help remove bacteria and debris — which can potentially contribute to bad breath and poor oral health — from the surface of the tongue.
This option is an Amazon bestseller with more than 88,000 perfect five-star ratings.
How we choseWe spoke with dentists about the best ways to care for your teeth and mouth in between appointments. We also asked them to share their top recommendations for a number of products, from toothpaste to brushes. In addition, we combed our archives to find other top dental hygiene products that experts have previously recommended to Shop TODAY.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often you should be going to the dentist depends on the person, Rawdin says. But the general recommendation is every six months. "For patients who accumulate plaque and calculus quicker or who have bone loss around the teeth (called periodontal disease), a more frequent recall of three to four months is recommended. Even if you have the most meticulous hygiene at home, it’s still important to see your dentist twice a year to check for cavities and changes in the teeth or gums."
"Bleeding gums are not normal," Rawdin says. "It is an indicator of disease. If your gums bleed, go see your dentist."
While she recognizes that a lot of people don't always enjoy going to the dentist she adds, "the more regularly you go for cleanings and check ups, the easier and better the appointments get."
- Dr. Michael Wei, DDS, is a dentist in New York City. He specializes in general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
- Dr. Samantha Rawdin, DMD, is a board-certified prosthodontist at Gallery57Dental. She is a dental specialist who is trained in restoring and renewing teeth and smiles.
- Dr. Pia Lieb, DDS, is a dentist at Cosmetic Dentistry Center NYC. She practices cosmetic, prosthetic, general and reconstructive dentistry.
- Dr. Lawrence Fung, DDS, is a dentist at Silicon Beach Dentalin Long Beach, California. He is a clinical instructor at the Center for Esthetic Dentistry at UCLA and is the team dentist for USC Athletics.
- Dr. Brett Loeser, DDS, is a dentist in New Jersey.
- Dr. Brian Kantor, DDS, is a dentist at Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York City.
- Dr. Mina Kim, DDS, is a dentist and co-founder of Bryant Park Dental. She is focused on general and esthetic dentistry.
