When brushing, you need to have toothpaste that will treat not only tartar control, but also keep your gums healthy. According to the most recent studies on toothpaste from the American Dental Association, the following toothpastes are the least abrasive on teeth:

• Colgate Baking Soda
• Arm and Hammer DC
• Arm and Hammer DC Tartar Control
• Arm and Hammer DC Toothpowder
• Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
• Oxyfresh (non-commercial)

When putting together a total oral healthcare routine, Listerine should be included. Listerine has four active ingredients: Thymol, Cineole, Menthol, and Methyl Salicylate. These ingredients are bacteriocidal agents necessary for maintaining oral health and cleanliness. Any flavor will work.

Don’t forget to floss at least once a day. Use whichever floss you prefer.

Something many people have yet to add to their oral homecare routine is a tongue scraper. At least once a day, you should gently scrape the surface of your tongue with a plastic tongue scraper.

You should also use an oral irrigator. Oxycare 3000 by Oxyfresh works well, or you can find one in your local drug store or pharmacy.

Perform the total mouth-care routine once a day, morning or night. Here is a typical routine outline:

Morning & Lunchtime

Brush with one of the previously mentioned toothpastes. Use an electric toothbrush preferably, like Oral B or Sonicare. Rinse with Listerine for 30 seconds.

Evening

Floss – Insert the floss carefully between teeth and apply light pressure, moving the floss in and out of the mouth, as you work it up the tooth. Do this to both sides of all teeth.

Brush – Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle where the tooth meets the gums. Gently brush this area in a circular or sweeping motion. Brush your teeth for a total of two minutes.

Scrape – Make sure to scrape as far back as possible with the tongue scraper.

Irrigate – Use about one cup of warm water on low pressure. Angle the flow toward the gum line and follow the gum line along the cheek side of your mouth. Pause 5 seconds on each tooth, and then repeat the procedure on the tongue side of your teeth.

Rinse – Rinse your mouth with Listerine or another type of mouthwash for 30 seconds.