Abstract

ORAL HYGIENE: KEY TO THE ORAL WELL-BEING

Anamitra Bhowmick, Parth Patel* and Dattatreya Mukherjee

Abstract

Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping our oral cavity clean to prevent the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms, mainly bacteria. Simply put, a hygienic oral cavity refers to clean teeth, gingiva, tongue, the floor of the mouth, surrounding mucosal surfaces free from plaque bacteria (CDC, WHO). Poor oral hygiene refers to abstinence from daily toothbrushing habits, mouth rinsing for removal of the dental plaque and materia alba, and periodic visit to the dental hygienist for professional oral prophylaxis.[1, 2] Several studies have explained the negative impact of poor oral hygiene. It is the principal etiologic factor in the initiation and progression of oral tissue destruction. Lack of oral hygiene is responsible for developing dental plaque-causing dental caries and periodontitis, significant diseases affecting the oral cavity.[3, 4]

Keywords: .