Oral hygiene

Oral hygiene comprises practices that keep the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems.

Dental plaque: A structured community of microorganisms that forms a sticky film on teeth and along the gumline. Removing plaque is the central aim of brushing and interdental cleaning.
Toothbrushing: Cleaning teeth with a brush to disrupt plaque and remove food debris from tooth surfaces. Brushing is the main daily method for cleaning accessible tooth surfaces.
Electric toothbrush: A powered toothbrush that moves its bristles through oscillation, rotation, or vibration. Powered brushes offer an alternative to manual brushing for daily plaque control.
Dental calculus: Mineralized dental plaque that adheres to teeth and cannot be removed by ordinary brushing. Unlike fresh plaque, calculus generally requires professional removal.
Tooth loss: The loss of one or more teeth through disease, injury, or extraction. Preventing decay and periodontal damage helps preserve natural teeth.
Dental caries: Progressive damage to tooth structure caused by acids produced when oral bacteria metabolize fermentable carbohydrates. Plaque and frequent sugar exposure help create the conditions for decay.
Interdental cleaning: Cleaning the spaces between teeth with tools such as floss or interdental brushes. A toothbrush often misses plaque between closely spaced teeth.
Water flosser: A device that directs a pulsating stream of water between teeth and along the gumline. It provides an interdental-cleaning option for people who find floss difficult to use.
Teeth whitening: Cosmetic treatments that lighten the color of teeth by removing or altering stains. Whitening changes appearance; it is not a substitute for disease-preventing hygiene.
Halitosis: Unpleasant breath odor arising from oral or other sources. Cleaning teeth and tongue can reduce odor from oral debris and bacteria.

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