Dental health basics include all steps necessary to maintain the health of a person’s teeth and mouth. Regular brushing and flossing and regular dental examinations are essential to good oral hygiene. In addition, avoiding tobacco use and eating a healthy diet can help maintain dental health over a lifetime.

Removing dental plaque from the teeth is the primary goal of a sound dental care routine. Plaque is a sticky film composed of a combination of bacteria, acid and food particles. It can lead to cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. Good oral hygiene also can prevent bad breath (halitosis), and may help prevent diseases that affect other areas of the body.

Patients are urged to consult with their dentist or dental hygienist to create an effective dental health plan. These plans are likely to include the following elements:

• Brushing. Brushing plays a crucial role in removing plaque from the teeth and helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Experts recommend that people brush their teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  
  
• Flossing. Flossing is essential to cleaning areas of the teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing can be performed either before or after brushing the teeth. Everyone should floss at least once a day. Flossing twice daily may be even more beneficial.
  
  
• Regular visits to a dentist. Experts urge people to schedule at least two dental examinations and professional cleanings each year.
  
  
• Eating a proper diet. Eating certain types of sugary and starchy foods, especially as snacks, contributes to the buildup of dental plaque. In addition, poor nutrition can have negative effects on oral health, including premature tooth loss and bad breath.

Additional tips for maintaining sound dental health include limiting snacking, drinking fluoridated water when possible, avoiding tobacco use, performing regular self-examinations of the mouth, making preparations for oral health care prior to or early in pregnancy, and caring for children’s teeth early in life.