Oral Hygiene Basics Winchester, TN
Beyond brushing your teeth twice a day, you might not think much about oral hygiene basics. However, the leading causes of tooth loss in older adults are gum disease and tooth decay, which are both caused by poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene basics, such as proper tooth brushing and flossing, can help prevent these conditions and many other common dental problems.
Dental care is available at Winchester Family Dentistry in Winchester and the surrounding area. Contact us at (931) 283-5044 to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
The teeth are connected to the jaw bone in the face through the tooth's roots. These roots are deeply ingrained in the bone to provide structure and strength to the mouth, which is important for biting, chewing, and speaking. Without an oral hygiene routine, the teeth risk the buildup of bacteria, otherwise known as tartar and plaque. This appears as a yellowish buildup on the teeth around the gum line.
Over time, if someone does not brush, floss, and rinse at home regularly and maintain their regular dental checkups, this buildup can start to affect the smile. If left alone, the bacteria can get beneath the gums and create dental pockets. These pockets occur when the gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth. This may also cause gum recession, which may eventually expose the tooth roots. If the bacteria have access to the roots beneath the gum line, they may gain access to the body's bloodstream.
Once the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, the entire body may be at risk. Starting and following an oral hygiene routine will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth and keep the body safe. To protect the health of the smile is to protect the overall health of the body.
“To protect the health of the smile is to protect the overall health of the body.”
How to Properly Brush Teeth
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth for two minutes at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Brushing is crucial for removing plaque and bacteria buildup, which can both lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Poor brushing is almost as bad as not brushing at all. In order to remove bacteria and plaque, teeth need to be brushed for at least two minutes. Take the time to move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions, and make sure to clean all the surfaces of the teeth.
Proper flossing is also integral to a good oral hygiene routine. According to Healthline, patients should use 18 to 24 inches of dental floss, winding most of it around both middle fingers. Only about one to two inches of floss should be reserved for the teeth. Floss should be held taut between the thumbs and index fingers before being placed between the teeth. It should then be gently glided up and down. Patients should curve the floss at the base of the tooth, forming a C shape. A new, clean section of floss should be used for each tooth.
The mouth is full of bacteria. Proper brushing and flossing can keep these bacteria under control and keep them from causing any damage. But if hours or days pass between brushings, the bacteria can build up. When left in place too long, the bacteria start attacking the teeth.
“The mouth is full of bacteria. Proper brushing and flossing can keep these bacteria under control and keep them from causing any damage.”
What to Include in a Dental Care Routine
A dental care routine will depend on the individual's current oral health needs, but in general, most routines should include the following:
Brushing
Everyone should brush their teeth twice a day with a dentist-recommended toothbrush and toothpaste. The right toothbrush should have soft bristles to prevent damage to the gums and tooth enamel. When brushing, use a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste and move the brush against the teeth in a gentle circular motion. Move the toothbrush along the rows of the teeth at a 45-degree angle to brush at the gum line as well. Dental professionals recommend brushing for about two minutes. Make sure to get the top and bottom rows, as well as all surfaces of the teeth.
Flossing
After brushing the surface of the teeth, everyone needs to floss to clean the spaces between their teeth. Flossing should be done at least once a day to remove anything that may have gotten stuck between the teeth and reduce the possibility of buildup. To floss, hold a piece of dental floss tightly between the hands with the thumb and index finger. Gently slide the floss up and down between the teeth, curving it at the base of each tooth to get beneath the gum line.
Rinsing
After flossing, everyone should rinse with a dentist-approved mouthwash. Most mouthwashes will contain a small amount of fluoride to help keep the teeth healthy between regular dental checkups. Depending on the circumstances, the dentist may make a recommendation. Some people may need a mouthwash to help with bad breath, dry mouth, or gum disease. To rinse, follow the guidelines on the mouthwash bottle. Typically this means using a small amount of mouthwash poured into a clean cup to swish around the mouth for about a minute before spitting it out.
“A dental care routine will depend on current oral health needs.”
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How to Select a Mouthwash
Mouthwash is optional and should not be used in place of brushing or flossing. But a good mouthwash can help improve oral health in several ways: It can reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, help kill bacteria that contribute to bad breath, and increase fluoridation — all of which help prevent tooth decay.
Make sure to choose an ADA-approved mouthwash. Approved brands include ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse, CloSYS Fluoride Rinse, Colgate Phos-Flur Ortho Defense, and Hello Kids Fluoride Rinse. The dentist may have additional recommendations for mouth rinses.
Patients should also be sure to look for the ADA stamp of approval when looking for toothpaste and denture products. Given the wide variety of options available, it can be more difficult to choose a toothbrush. Patients should choose a toothbrush with a head large enough to allow easy access to all surfaces of the teeth. Most patients should also choose a soft-bristled toothbrush for optimum comfort and safety.
“A good mouthwash can kill bacteria that contribute to bad breath and help prevent tooth decay.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why is good oral hygiene important?
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
Q. How does one maintain a healthy smile?
Q. How can I properly brush and floss my teeth?
Q. Why should I use mouthwash?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during a dental cleaning?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Health Practices for a Healthy Smile
If the goal is to have a healthy smile for life, then there are a number of things anyone can do to achieve that goal. The first and quite possibly most important thing to do is to stay in touch with the dental team. The dental professionals on this team will come to know each individual and their smile over time. They can provide guidance as the mouth ages and changes. To build and maintain this connection, regular dental checkups are important.
Dental checkups are normally recommended every six months, though some individuals may need them more often if they have a history of oral health concerns or gum disease. Between checkups, everyone should continue their at-home oral hygiene routine. While a checkup is a great way to remove the buildup of plaque and polish the teeth to protect them from bacteria, everyone needs to remove particles and bacteria daily to keep their smile healthy.
A daily routine should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash. The dentist may also recommend different or additional steps depending on the smile's health. Additional recommendations may include:
- Drinking fluoridated water
- Quitting smoking and other tobacco products
- Limiting alcoholic, caffeinated or sugary drinks
- Controlling other diseases that may affect the teeth
- Deep cleaning
“While a checkup is a great way to remove the buildup of plaque and polish the teeth to protect them from bacteria, everyone needs to remove particles and bacteria daily to keep their smile healthy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are regular dental visits important?
A. Regular dental checkups can help identify minor dental issues before they become more serious. Treatment is likely to be simpler when problems are caught early. For example, when tooth decay and gum disease are treated early, they can often be reversed before significant tooth damage occurs. Untreated gum disease and tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and other major problems.
Q. Do I still need to see a dentist if I'm not having any problems?
A. Yes. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, you can still have dental issues such as tartar buildup and tooth decay. A dentist will be able to identify these issues before they become more serious.
Q. What are some signs that I should see a dentist?
A. If you experience swollen or sensitive gums, bad breath, pain or swelling in your mouth, difficulty chewing, or sensitivity to hot or cold foods, contact a dentist. These symptoms may be an indication of something more serious.
Q. Why are dental X-rays necessary?
A. Dental X-rays help dentists see tooth problems, including cracks and tooth decay, that are not visible to the naked eye. Expect to have X-rays taken if you have not been to the dentist in a while. Your dentist will take as few X-rays as possible to limit your radiation exposure. Let your dentist know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, as pregnant women should not have X-rays taken.
Q. Is fluoride necessary for teeth?
A. Fluoride strengthens teeth while preventing decay. The American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alike agree that children should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing. It also benefits adults.
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Dental Terminology
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Before scheduling an appointment, be sure to make notes of any current at-home oral hygiene routines to be able to talk to the dental team about how to improve them. Scheduling an appointment and following through with dental checkups is a great start to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
When scheduling a dental appointment, take this time to make the dental team aware of any concerns and tell them if they need to take any steps to make the experience more enjoyable. To schedule an appointment, call us at 931-283-5044 today!
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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