9 Effective Ways to Keep Your Family’s Dental Hygiene in Check

Not mandatory, but definitely a power move. A pre-brush rinse loosens plaque, freshens breath and makes your brushing routine feel a little more official. Amazon Basics Pre-Brush Dental Rinse is perfect for teens and adults who are ready to step things up.

2. Upgrade to an Electric Toothbrush

Manual toothbrushes are fine. But electric toothbrushes? They do the work for you. Amazon Basics offers plenty of options with features like multiple brush modes, a built-in timer (that’s two whole minutes of brushing), and a super-slim design—all without the steep price tag. Your kids might even want to brush their teeth. (Emphasis on might.)

3. Don’t Forget the Brush Heads

If you’ve already gone electric, gold star. But don’t forget: those brush heads also don’t last forever. Amazon Basics Braun Electric Toothbrush Replacement Brush Heads are compatible with most Oral-B handles and come in budget-friendly multipacks. Translation: fewer trips to the store and cleaner teeth.

4. Stock Up on Toothbrushes (and Replace Them Often)

If you didn’t know: toothbrushes need to be swapped out every three months to keep them fresh, effective and free from bacteria. So yeah, that means more often than anyone actually remembers. Keep a stash of Amazon Basics Soft Toothbrushes for Adults and Amazon Basics Orbit Toothbrushes for kids on hand and treat yourself to the smug satisfaction of being “That Parent” who always has extras in the drawer.

If your household’s flossing record is…inconsistent at best, it’s time for a strategy shift. Floss picks make it easier for little hands (and forgetful teens). Amazon Basics Mint Dental Flossers are individually wrapped, which means no excuses. Toss a few in your bag, glovebox or lunchboxes, and suddenly, flossing isn’t just reserved for dentist guilt-trips.

6. Add a Water Flosser to Your Routine

Braces. Tight gaps. General floss resistance. Whatever the issue, a water flosser might be the answer. The Amazon Basics HydroClean Cordless Water Flosser shoots a gentle stream between teeth and around braces without the ouch factor. It’s compact, cordless, and makes flossing feel a little more like a fun science experiment and less like a chore.

7. Keep Classic Floss Around for the Overachievers

Flossers are convenient, but sometimes you just need the real thing. Amazon Basics Extra Comfort Mint Dental Floss glides smoothly and gets into those tight, awkward spots. Perfect for post-popcorn emergencies, pre-date-night touch-ups, or anyone who still prefers the old-school method.

8. Make Mouthwash Kid-Friendly

If your kid has ever dramatically gagged mid-rinse, you already know: flavor matters. The Amazon Basics Kids Mouthwash with Fluoride tastes like bubble gum, skips the alcohol, and helps prevent cavities. You may still have to remind them, but at least there won’t be drama over the taste.

9. Whiten at Home, No Appointment Needed

Want to fake a full eight hours of sleep or undo the effects of your daily cold brew? Whitening strips may do nothing for the former, but they can certainly help the latter. Amazon Basics’ 10-Day Teeth Whitening Strips Kit is a simple way to brighten your smile—no trays, no sensitivity, no awkward in-chair sessions required.