Oral Hygiene in Chillicothe, Ohio

How to Brush Your Teeth

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Hold it at a 45° angle where the gums and teeth meet.
  
• Use gentle circular strokes on the outer and inner surfaces.
  
• For the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use short up-and-down motions.
  
• Don’t forget the biting surfaces of your teeth.
  
• Rinse thoroughly when finished.
  
  

If brushing ever causes pain or bleeding, call our office in Chillicothe, Ohio at (740) 773-8384. Our team can show you the proper technique.

How to Floss

Since gum disease often starts between teeth, flossing is essential. Here’s how:

Use about 18 inches of floss (waxed is easiest).

• Wrap it around your fingers, leaving a few inches free.
• Gently guide the floss between teeth with a back-and-forth motion.
• Curve into a C-shape against the tooth and slide up and down.
• Repeat for both sides of every tooth—including the back molars.



If your gums bleed at first, don’t worry—this usually improves as plaque is removed and gums heal.

Why Is Oral Hygiene So Important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than to cavities. In fact, 3 out of 4 adults are affected at some point in their lives.



The main cause? Bacterial plaque—a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth at the gumline. If not removed daily, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) and can lead to both decay and periodontal disease.

At Chillicothe Family Dental in Chillicothe, Ohio, we help our patients learn effective oral hygiene habits and provide the professional care needed to keep plaque and tartar under control.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth

It’s common to experience sensitivity after dental treatment or when gums recede. This usually improves with proper brushing and flossing. For ongoing issues, our dentists may recommend a sensitivity-relief toothpaste or fluoride rinse designed to protect exposed areas.

Choosing the Right Oral Hygiene Products

There are countless products on the market. Here are our professional recommendations:

• Electric toothbrushes are highly effective for most patients.
  
• Oral irrigators (water flossers) are helpful but should be used in addition to brushing and flossing.
  
• Fluoride toothpaste and rinses can reduce tooth decay by up to 40%.
• Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the ADA, can help control early gum disease.
• Interdental brushes can be useful, but should be used properly to avoid gum injury—ask our team for guidance.
  

Professional Dental Cleaning

Even with excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar in hard-to-reach places. That’s why professional dental cleanings at Chillicothe Family Dental are essential. During your cleaning, we remove tartar above and below the gumline, polish away stains, and check for early signs of gum disease or decay.



Regular cleanings help ensure you keep your teeth for life.

Oral Hygiene FAQs

How often should I brush and floss?

Brush at least twice daily and floss once a day to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis (early gum disease) can often be reversed with cleanings and home care. Advanced periodontitis cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with treatment.

How often should I schedule a cleaning?

Most patients should schedule a professional cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, we may recommend every 3–4 months.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and gum recession are common early warning signs.