We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. This website is currently being updated to enhance the usability and experience for persons with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call 603.890.4004 for Salem or 978.358.8576 for Newburyport and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

Artisan Dentistry's Blog

What parts of the mouth do people usually forget to clean?

Apr 15th, 2026
parts-of-mouth-forget-to-clean

Most people know they should brush their teeth twice a day. But even with a solid routine, it’s easy to miss certain areas of the mouth. Over time, those overlooked spots can collect plaque, bacteria, and food debris, which may lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

If you want a truly clean and healthy smile, make sure you’re paying attention to these commonly forgotten areas.

Tongue

Your tongue can hold a surprising amount of bacteria. Food particles, dead cells, and plaque can collect on its surface and contribute to bad breath. While brushing your tongue helps, it often doesn’t remove buildup completely.

For a deeper clean, consider using a tongue scraper. It’s quick, easy, and can make your mouth feel noticeably fresher. If you don’t have a scraper, gently brushing your tongue with your toothbrush is still better than skipping it entirely.

Gumline

One of the most commonly missed areas during brushing is the gumline, where the teeth meet the gums. This is also where plaque loves to hide. If it isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar and lead to gum inflammation.

To clean this area properly, angle your toothbrush at about 45 degrees toward the gums. Use gentle, small motions rather than scrubbing aggressively. Brushing too hard can irritate your gums and may contribute to gum recession over time.

Between the Teeth

Even the best toothbrush can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth. That’s why flossing is so important. Without it, a large portion of your tooth surface goes uncleaned, giving plaque and bacteria the chance to build up.

Flossing daily helps remove trapped food and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. If traditional floss is difficult, try floss picks or a water flosser. The most important thing is making it a consistent habit.

Back Teeth

The molars in the back of your mouth are another commonly missed area. They can be difficult to reach, and their grooves make them more likely to trap food and plaque. In fact, research has shown that the upper back teeth are among the most likely to collect plaque.

When brushing, take your time with your back teeth and focus on all surfaces. Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces, the outer sides, and the inside surfaces near your tongue. Flossing in the back is also important, even if it feels awkward at first.

A Clean Mouth Means a Healthier Smile

Cleaning these forgotten areas only takes a few extra seconds, but it can make a big difference in your long-term oral health. A complete routine should include brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and cleaning your tongue.

If you’re unsure whether you’re brushing and flossing effectively, our teams at Artisan Dentistry in Salem, NH and Newburyport, MA can offer helpful tips during your next visit. A little guidance can go a long way toward protecting your smile.

Warranty

Our 5 Year Warranty

Anyone can train to be a technician, but few have the talent to become an artist. That’s why Dr. Mathew is able to guarantee his cosmetic dentistry work for a full 5 years. If anything goes wrong with the work, Dr. Mathew will fix it free of charge, as long as you continue with your regular 6 month preventative care cleaning and check up for the duration of the warranty.

Treatment Room

Individualized
Treatment Rooms

Our individualized treatment rooms and operatories provide patients with maximum privacy and comfort. The treatment rooms were built specifically with your comfort in mind.

Schedule Appointment (Paginated)

  • Fill out the form below.
Choose Location

Salem, NH

Call Now

Newburyport, MA

Call Now

Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

X

Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

X

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.