Italian Phrase
Mi lavo i denti.
Meaning
Literally ‘I wash my teeth’, this sentence is the standard way to say ‘I brush my teeth’ in Italian. It is a simple present‑tense statement about a daily hygiene habit.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing your personal routine, especially in the morning or before bed, or when answering a question like “Cosa fai ogni giorno?” (What do you do every day?).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Milavoidenti
Mi (reflexive pronoun)
The pronoun *mi* indicates that the subject performs the action on itself; it is required with reflexive verbs like *lavarsi*.
lavo (present indicative)
The verb *lavare* conjugated in the first‑person singular present (*lavo*) combined with *mi* forms the reflexive *mi lavo* – ‘I wash/brush myself’.
i (definite article, plural masculine)
Italian uses the plural masculine article *i* before masculine nouns that begin with a consonant, such as *denti*.
denti (plural noun)
*Denti* is the plural of *dente* (tooth). In this context it refers to all the teeth.
🗨In Conversation
Mi lavo i denti ogni mattina.
I brush my teeth every morning.
Anch'io, è importante per la salute.
Me too, it’s important for health.
✕Common Mistakes
Lavo i denti.
Missing the reflexive pronoun *mi*; the verb must be reflexive when you brush your own teeth.
Mi lavo le denti.
The article *le* is feminine; *denti* is masculine, so the correct article is *i*.
↔Alternatives
Mi pulisco i denti.
I clean my teeth.
Mi spazzolo i denti.
I brush my teeth.
Faccio lo spazzolino.
I use the toothbrush.
Cultural Tip
In Italy it’s common to brush teeth after each main meal, especially after breakfast and dinner. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day with a soft‑bristled *spazzolino da denti* and fluoride toothpaste. Public bathrooms often provide disposable toothbrushes for travelers.