Dental routine for a healthy smile

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Paste it on and brush, brush, brush!

We recommend you brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time.¹ You can even take it up a notch and brush after consuming any food or drink — aside from water.

When looking at the brushing process, it’s important to start with a few qualities of the brush itself. Try to use a soft-bristle brush with a comfortable-size brush head so it’s easy on your gums and can fit around the nooks and crannies in your mouth.

When it’s time to brush, put toothpaste on your brush and apply a light amount of pressure to clean your teeth. When brushing along your gums, keep your bristles at a 45-degree angle and when cleaning the inside surfaces of your teeth, tilt your brush vertically and brush back and forth.¹

Tips for brushing:

Replace the brush every three or four months, or more often as needed¹

Smaller brush heads can get to hard-to-reach areas more easily than a wide head brush head

Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper for extra care and extra-fresh breath

Evaluate all of your options if you need a toothpaste to help with concerns like getting a whiter smile, restoring enamel, or helping little ones grow healthy chompers

Floss like a boss

You need to clean between your teeth every day¹ — and make sure you’re doing it correctly.

To floss properly,² break off about 18 inches of ADA Seal of Acceptance–approved floss. Wrap most of it around one finger and just a bit around the other — and start guiding it between your teeth and gently around your gums.

Flossing removes extra debris stuck on after brushing, and secures an even cleaner smile. Here are a few flossing pointers:²

Floss the very back of your last teeth

Don’t snap the floss into the gums

Never reuse floss; it can hold onto bacteria

There are many types of floss — try a few and see which fits the best between your teeth

Rinse the rest away

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen your teeth.³

Mouthwash does way more than just wash your mouth. It can help brighten your smile, relieve dry mouth, kill germs, and freshen your breath. But one of the biggest benefits of using a mouthwash like ACT^® is its ability to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay, thanks to superstar-ingredient fluoride.⁴

So consider adding a mouthwash to your routine to perfectly complement brushing and flossing.

Here are some rinse tips:

Swish often. Use once or twice a day after brushing your teeth.

Rinse time. Swish it around for about a minute.

Down the drain. Spit it out. (Please don’t swallow the rinse!)

Wait to eat. Don’t eat or drink for at least 30 minutes.

Go, you! Give yourself a high five.

Notes for parents:

Consider a child-safe fluoride mouth rinse for your kids. It helps them grow and maintain healthy, strong teeth.⁴

Mouthwash is generally recommended for ages 6 and up. Make sure to supervise your little ones up to 12 years old to ensure good rinsing habits and to minimize swallowing.

Extra steps toward dental wellness

Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Some extra steps can ensure they stay alive and thrive.

Here are a few extra steps you can take to maintain an even healthier oral care routine:

Drink more water.⁵ It’s a refreshing rinse for your mouth every time you sip.

Schedule regular checkups. Visit your dentist at least once a year — even if your teeth feel good.⁵

Watch your intake. Do not use any tobacco products⁵ and watch your consumption of dark drinks and sugary substances.

Dental care for kids. Learn more about child-safe oral health care products for your kids.

Choose the right rinse

Now that we’ve covered a complete dental routine, it’s time to get rinsing. Out of all fluoride mouth rinses, ACT^® is the brand most recommended by dentists and hygienists.⁶

But which ACT^® mouthwash is right for you?

FIND YOUR ACT®