To refresh your morning and evening routine, we've highlighted tips and products that will help you keep your gums, teeth, and tongue looking and feeling their best. From the ideal time to really brush your teeth properly to how to naturally whiten your smile, we're here to share our top oral hygiene tricks.

Keep reading about habits that will surely make your dentist proud.

Floss before brushing // According to this study, when participants flossed before brushing their teeth, the amount of tartar buildup was significantly less than in the group that did the opposite. Floss at least once a day, but ideally always before brushing your teeth. After making this habit part of your routine, you won't want anything else. We like this one , which is natural and free of toxins that can alter our hormonal system.

THE 2-MINUTE TIMER // Most electric toothbrushes have a two-minute preset timer, but if you're brushing manually, use your phone's timer to make sure you brush for at least that long (you'll be surprised).

Pretend you're at the dentist and follow the same pattern they use: 30 seconds on each area of ​​your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left). Spend about 5 seconds on each tooth, allowing the toothbrush to polish the front, back, and surface of the molars.

BE GENTLE // Be careful with the brush near the gums; it's important to glide smoothly when brushing this sensitive area. Especially if you tend to hold the brush firmly. If you're using an electric toothbrush, remember that it's designed to do the work for you, so you don't need to move your hand in the traditional pattern you would with a manual option. Just place it on the desired area and let it work its magic.

DON'T FORGET THE HIDDEN AREAS // Yes, molars also need a good polishing twice a day. Brush your teeth well back there to remove any hidden plaque buildup. You should always do a good tongue cleaning to make sure you've removed all the dirt.

THE POWER OF RINSING... // It's not a substitute for daily flossing, let alone brushing your teeth, but if you're in a situation where that's all you have, then of course, rinse well. While most formulas help kill bacteria, their primary use is to mask bad breath. Some mouthwashes actually eliminate beneficial ingredients from toothpaste that help strengthen tooth enamel when used directly after brushing. Therefore, if you want to incorporate a liquid mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine, wait at least an hour after brushing before using the mouthwash.

Oil Pulling ? // Oil pulling is the act of swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for a few minutes, taking care to "push" it between your teeth and massage your gums with the mouthwash. In Ayurveda, it is believed to have a detoxifying effect, literally removing oil-soluble toxins from the body through the delicate blood vessels of the mouth tissues. It is preferable to use mouthwash before brushing, flossing, or any other type of cleaning, so that you can release bacteria, toxins, and plaque in preparation for your normal oral hygiene routine.

OK, so far here's the order: rinse with oil (if desired), floss, brush (for two minutes), wait, and then use mouthwash.

BE DEMANDING WHEN CHOOSING YOUR TOOTHPASTE // We recommend this fluoride-free toothpaste. Why the emphasis on the absence of fluoride? We advise you to take a look at this study and this video based on studies from Harvard University.
Although fluoride is found naturally in water and soil, when added to products such as oral hygiene products, it can cause skin irritation. If you have inflammation in your mouth, switch your regular toothpaste for a fluoride-free option to avoid further irritation. We like this vegan option that contains clay and baking soda, which in addition to cleaning teeth also helps to whiten them naturally.

6 TRICKS TO WHITEN YOUR TEETH NATURALLY HERE.