Yes, there is a right way to brush your teeth
It starts with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
These toothbrushes won both a 2023 and 2024 NBC Select Wellness Award by continuing to cover all of the bases for a manual toothbrush. It has a textured handle for better grip, and is available in soft, medium or firm bristle firmness — though our experts agree that soft is what you should be using.
This electric model made our list of best electric toothbrushes thanks to its effectiveness and affordability. One charge gives you up to two weeks of battery life, according to the brand. It also has a slim, ergonomic handle, providing a comfortable place to grip. The toothbrush also comes with one of the brand’s Optimal Plaque Control brush heads.
One of our favorite toothpastes, this tube from Colgate is a great basic fluoride toothpaste. It protects against cavities, thoroughly cleans teeth and freshens breath, according to the brand. This toothpaste has a 4.6-star average rating from over 3,880 reviews on Amazon.
Another NBC Select Wellness Award winner, this floss uses recycled polyester, vegan wax and coconut oil to access hard-to-reach areas while also soothing gums, according to the brand. NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman says that because the CocoFloss is thicker than a typical plastic floss, it was able to scrape out plaque and food very easily. It comes in 15 flavors, including Delicious Mint, Pure Strawberry and Unscented.
This option made our list of best water flossers. It has a 7-ounce water reservoir built into this cordless device’s wand and offers three pressure settings and four tip accessories, which you can individually store in the included travel bag. The charger magnetically attaches to the water flosser itself and charges the device in four hours, according to the brand. It’s available in colors like blue, white, rose gold and more. The Waterpik Cordless Advanced Water Flosser has a 4.3-star average rating from over 63,630 reviews on Amazon.
This anticavity mouthwash has a seal from the ADA, who says the mouthwash “is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent tooth decay.” It contains sodium fluoride as its active ingredient, as well as antiseptic ingredients like menthol and CPC. The 18-ounce bottle also has a built-in accurate dosage cup, so you just have to squeeze the mouthwash to fill the cup.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on how to properly brush your teeth.
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