How can I keep my teeth CLEAN and free from buildups?

I was told by my ortho that I need to keep my teeth cleaner than they are. I already floss EVERY NIGHT and I use Listerine Once Per Day (most days). I obviously brush twice aday, and sometimes three times per day. I switch tooth brushes every month. I wear braces (over 3 years). Does that mean I need a special tooth brush? I also get my teeth cleaned every 3 to 4 months because of this problem. I was told that unfortunately, some people just naturally accumulate more calculus (tartar) than others. Is there any way I can improve my smile and protect my gums BETTER?

How can I keep my teeth CLEAN and free from buildups?
wow, i have that kinda thing, but not that bad...its just bad luck, my guess, brush after EVERY 'SNACK' you eat with more than 8 grams of sugar, i don't cause im lazy...OH NOTE: please do not use toothpaste except after meals and when you should normally brush, 1-it wastes toothpaste


2- using too much toothpaste makes you feel weird and tired and sometimes makes you sick


edit: 8 was just an estimation, scratch that though, go for 12 and live a little
Reply:You should invest in an electric toothbrush. I have the same problem. I bought one and now only need a cleaning every 6 months not 3-4 anymore. Also reducing sugary foods helped me, as well as soda and juice.
Reply:how is your diet? if you eat a lot of bad foods that could be contributing to the tartar.
Reply:Well one thing I can tell you that you are doing wrong, Listerine does not work!! It doesn't help your teeth. If I were you I would just brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure to get your gums and your tongue also. I think that should make a big difference.
Reply:What kind of toothbrush do you use? The Philips spin brush is a great tooth brush, dentists highly recommend it. It is more expensive but it really does keep teeth free from build-ups. You can buy the Philips spin brush online or at walmart. But, still do what you are doing to keep your teeth clean.





:D
Reply:you might want to try a different toothpaste, some dont work as well on my teeth as others, electric toothbrushes are better to and do it for at least 2to 3 minutes each time. When you say flossing you mean your braces to, cause you need to do that.
Reply:Overuse of any chemical, like the bleach in whitening toothpaste, mouthwash that dissolves plaque, etc, can eat through the shiny enamel and leave a microscopic roughness that allows tartar to stick. Acidic foods like fruit and Cola also do this if left in contact with the teeth, so brush soon afterwards. Chew some sugar-free gum several times a day between brushing. Don't swill tea, coffee, or any staining drinks in your mouth either, because that will stain whatever tartar is naturally there and would otherwise probably go unseen by others. Maybe you're just a bit self-conscious and paranoid about this because you feel people may be staring at your braces?
Reply:One thing you have not mentioned is a Waterpik





I would not be without mine, even after you brush your teeth and floss the Waterpik will still find debris





Get yourself one and see if this makes a difference
Reply:well brush regularly.to hell what the freaking dinasors say on that comercal.floss 3 times a day because it is easier for paque to biuld up in hard to brush areas and remember brush after every meal!
Reply:I've heard dentists say it can simply be due to the natural chemistry of your saliva/mouth. If mouthwash isn't helping, I'd quit using it since it can dry out your mouth. See if there is a difference 4 months after quiting it and keeping everything else the same. If you change your food types, that may have an effect.


Some of the other ideas here would probably work, such as the waterpick, different paste, or electric toothbrush. Good luck.
Reply:Try an electric toothbrush. My ortho said that if my teeth built up tartar, the electric toothbrush will help.



Toys