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My dental routine is fairly simple: clean between my teeth, brush properly, and pay attention to the rest of my mouth too. Gadgets are nice, but the basics are doing most of the work.
Cleaning between my teeth
I start with flossing. A toothbrush doesn’t reach every surface between teeth, so interdental cleaning has a job of its own. Floss or interdental brushes can help, depending on what fits; a dentist or hygienist can advise on that.
I’m also waiting for a water flosser to arrive. I’ll write about it once I’ve actually tried it rather than pretending an order confirmation is a review.
My Xiaomi electric toothbrush
I use a Xiaomi vibrating toothbrush that gives feedback on areas I’ve missed. That reminder is the part I like: it makes it harder to rush and assume I’ve covered everything.
The practical basics are twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, gentle pressure, and attention to the gum line. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste rather than rinsing it straight away.
A tongue scraper
I also use a tongue scraper to gently remove the coating on my tongue. It’s an optional extra I like for how my mouth feels, not a replacement for brushing or cleaning between teeth. There’s no need to scrape hard.
Tea tree mouthwash
The mouthwash in my routine is Australian Bodycare’s tea tree version. I like the taste, although it can leave a numbing sensation. That sensation isn’t evidence it’s working better, and irritation is a reason to stop using it.
I haven’t noticed bleeding gums and I like how fresh my breath feels, but I can’t credit those things to the mouthwash alone. Persistent bleeding or bad breath deserves a dental check.
One correction to the order in my old notes: mouthwash is better kept for a separate time, rather than immediately washing away the fluoride after brushing. It’s an extra, not the foundation of the routine.
Update: I’ve now written up my experience with the Xiaomi Mijia water flosser.
Archive note: restored from my 2023 notes. The publication date is approximate, and products and routines reflect that period.