College is a time for independence, becoming an adult, and developing good, life-long habits, but one thing that always seems to fall to the wayside is oral hygiene. Whether it’s the over consumption of sugary foods and drinks or a demanding social life that keeps them from flossing, it’s no surprise that college students are known for having the worst dental habits. Thankfully, there are several ways to keep your teeth healthy and not blow your monthly allowance. Here are 10 teeth cleaning tips for college students on a budget:

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
   Football games, 8 a.m. classes and parties may be your top-priorities, but brushing your teeth twice a day is not impossible to squeeze into your busy schedule. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the best way to remove plaque and prevent cavities is to brush your teeth twice a day. For students on-the-go, brushing after breakfast and before bed is an easy routine to follow.
2. Floss At Least Once a Day
   In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, you should also floss at least once a day. The ADA recommends flossing or using an interdental cleaner to remove plaque and food particles from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Also, flossing before you brush may help remove food particles more easily.
3. Rinse With an Antimicrobial & Fluoride Mouthwash
   Minty fresh breath and healthy teeth are always in style. Along with brushing and flossing, college students should use both an antimicrobial mouth rinse, to kill bacteria and protect against gingivitis, as well as a fluoride mouth rinse, to reduce and prevent tooth decay.
4. Use an ADA-accepted Fluoride Toothpaste
   Because college students may not be getting the recommended levels (0.7-1.2 ppm) of fluoride from their bottled water and beverage consumption, the association recommends using ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste to protect against tooth decay and reduce plaque and gingivitis.
5. Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3-4 Months
   Brushing frequently is great, but a worn toothbrush with frayed bristles will not cut it. In order to clean your teeth effectively, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. The ADA recommends using a toothbrush that fits your mouth and has soft bristles.
6. Get Teeth Cleanings Every Six Months
   Even if you follow a strict teeth-cleaning routine, the ADA recommends that everyone have their teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months. For many college students, professional teeth cleanings don’t cross their minds or fall within their limited budgets. Thankfully, there are ways to get your pearly whites cleaned for very little and even free. Try finding a local dentistry school, and ask if they do free teeth cleanings, checkups and other dental services for students.
7. Chew Sugar-free Gum
   You may not be able to chew it during class, but sugar-free chewing gum is another good alternative when you don’t have time to brush. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals or snacks produces saliva, which helps rinse away acid from your teeth and gives you fresh breath.
8. Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
   If you have bleeding gums, cuts, trench mouth or sores, try swishing an oral 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to clean the affected area. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, swish for 30 seconds and spit out to help flush the wound of bacteria. Of course, if the problem persists, seek professional attention.
9. Eat an Apple a Day
   Not only are apples, carrots and celery sticks good for you, but they also help clean the surface of your teeth when you don’t have time to brush. These snacks, and other abrasive foods, can help scrape plaque from your teeth, stimulate the gums and produce saliva that will help rinse away acids.
10. When All Else Fails, Swish Water
    For the nights when you forget a toothbrush or don’t have time to brush between meals, try swishing water in your mouth a few times to help wash away debris and balance the acidity.