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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Brushing your teeth alone isn’t the only way to maintain your oral health. A great oral care routine goes beyond a quick sweep of the toothbrush. It’s built on three simple but powerful habits: using the right toothpaste, flossing daily, and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash. Together, they don’t just protect your teeth, they help defend against many health problems¹ like gum disease, bad breath, and even more serious conditions linked to oral health, like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.²

So, how do you build a routine that actually works? Let’s walk through the essentials.

Enhancing Oral Care with the Right Toothpaste³

Toothpaste isn’t just minty foam. It’s your daily shield. But picking one off the shelf at random? Not the move. You’ll want to choose a toothpaste based on what you need and what’s best for you. A good toothpaste should include:

Fluoride: A must-have, especially because it strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
Antibacterial Agents: To fight plaque, reduce gum inflammation, and help protect against gum problems.
Whitening Ingredients: These gently polish surface stains, keeping your smile bright without damaging the enamel.
Desensitizing formula: If hot tea or ice cream sends a shock through your teeth, look for a paste that calms teeth sensitivity.⁴

The Colgate Total Active Protection range checks all those boxes. Whether you're eyeing the Advanced Whitening Toothpaste, Gum Care Toothpaste, or the Fresh Mint Toothpaste, the advanced fluoride-based blend delivers 12-hour protection and fights oral health issues at their root.

Dental Flossing and Why It Is Essential for Oral Hygiene⁵

If you think flossing is optional, think again. Even the best brushing techniques won’t clean between your teeth or under your gumline. That’s where flossing comes in and why dentists won’t stop talking about it.

Here’s what regular flossing does:

Keeps your gums healthy and helps prevent gum diseases and problems.⁶
Removes plaque and food stuck in hard-to-reach places.
Cuts down on bad breath. Bad breath can come from bacteria between your teeth.
It may even reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Bacteria from inflamed gums can enter your bloodstream and affect the whole body.⁷

For better results, always use high-quality floss like the Colgate Total Mint Waxed Dental Floss. It’s smooth, strong, and designed to get into those tricky spots to remove plaque. Use it daily. You’ll feel the difference with daily use.

The Role of Mouthwash in Maintaining Gum Health⁸

You’ve brushed and flossed. Now it’s time for the mouthwash. A good mouthwash plays an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as it finishes the job your toothbrush started.

Fluoride-based rinses like the Colgate Total Active Protection Mouthwash can help clean areas you’ve missed, kill bacteria, and give your breath a fresh boost. It’s designed to protect gums and fight plaque; all in a quick 30-second rinse.

Make It a Habit

Here’s the thing: maintaining your oral health doesn’t need to be complicated. Just set aside 7 to 10 minutes each day. That’s it. Brush, floss, rinse, and repeat. Small daily habits now can save you big on dental bills later.

Stick with it, and you’ll enjoy fewer visits to the dentist for fillings or deep cleanings, lower risk of gum disease and related health complications, and a healthier smile that gives you confidence to show it off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does toothpaste with active ingredients provide long-lasting protection?

Formulas packed with active ingredients like fluoride and antibacterial agents help remove plaque, prevent enamel wear, and keep bacteria at bay. That means fewer cavities and stronger teeth over time.

Should I use mouthwash before or after brushing?

Use your mouthwash after brushing. Brush first, floss second, rinse third. It’s the perfect cleanup routine for your entire mouth.

Why is flossing essential, even if I brush my teeth regularly?

Flossing is an important step because your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere. Floss gets into tight spaces and under the gums to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.