Patient Education / Oral Hygiene in Asheville, NC

Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important?

Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and decay are all caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough brushing and daily flossing, you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

How To Brush Teeth

It is recommended to use a soft bristle toothbrush, electric or manual. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently, with light pressure, move the brush in a circular motion using small, gentle strokes brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth.

When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don’t forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.


How To Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is the most effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.

Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 10 inches long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.


When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing, you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal, and the bleeding should stop.

Choosing Oral Hygiene Products


Electric toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes especially Sonicare and OralB.


Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line, so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease.


Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental plaque and calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove buildup in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important step in preventing gum disease and help keep your teeth for your lifetime.