Here are the methods which can efficiently clean your teeth as part of your dental care: - **Brush your teeth with toothpaste** for two minutes (at least 1h after eating) including outer/inner teeth surface and against the gumline (sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline). - **Use dental floss** after brushing to remove plaque between teeth and under the gum line, where ordinary toothbrushes can't reach. - **Use mouthwash liquid** which can kill 99.9% of bacteria and provides protection against plaque (such as Listerine). Alternatively use water or an acid-neutralizing mixture (one part baking soda, eight parts water). - Add some **sodium bicarbonate** (baking soda), it's used as an ingredient in some mouthwashes for a better whitening, acid neutralizer and plaque removal. Toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate has in several studies shown to have a better whitening and plaque removal effect than toothpastes without it<sup>[wiki][5]</sup>. There is no harm in using excess of sodium bicarbonate. > It works as a mechanical cleanser on the teeth and gums, neutralizes the production of acid in the mouth and also as an antiseptic to help prevent infections occurring. (p. 47, Cloth Diapers by Donald C. Cooper Ph.D.) - You may also add **activated charcoal powder** onto your toothpaste. It absorbs toxins, a wide variety of drugs, chemicals and other impurities. - **Never brush immediately after an acidic meal or drink.** Always wait at least 30 minutes. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least 1h after eating or drinking acidic foods/drinks to prevent chance of [enamel erosion][1] and [dental erosion][2] which can damage your teeth. So **brushing too soon after meals and drinks can do more harm than good.** See: [Really? Never Brush Your Teeth Immediately After a Meal][3] - After your last teeth brushing, **avoid eating and drink only plain water** (maintaining the right pH and °C in the mouth can prevent a dental plaque, which can help saliva to naturally neutralize the acids produced by the bacteria and remineralize the tooth surface). - You may use **Plaque Disclosing gel** or **Disclosing tablets** which can dramatically highlights harmful bacterial plaque on tooth surfaces and shows the areas where more brushing and flossing are required. See: [Detection of plaque build up][4]. - If your whitening toothpaste isn't working, try leaving it on your teeth for a couple of minutes before you rinst it off. [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_enamel [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_erosion [3]: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/really-never-brush-your-teeth-immediately-after-a-meal/ [4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_plaque#Detection_of_plaque_build_up [5]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate#Personal_hygiene