Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems (e.g. bad breath) by regular brushing of the teeth (dental hygiene) and cleaning between the teeth. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease and bad breath. The most common types of dental disease are tooth decay (cavities, dental caries) and gum diseases, including gingivitis, and periodontitis.
General guidelines for adults suggest brushing at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste: brushing last thing at night and at least on one other occasion. Cleaning between the teeth is called interdental cleaning and is as important as tooth brushing. This is because a toothbrush cannot reach between the teeth and therefore only removes about 50% of plaque from the surface of the teeth. There are many tools to clean between the teeth, including floss, tape and interdental brushes; it is up to each individual to choose which tool they prefer to use.
How often should you brush your teeth?
Oral Hygiene is important to maintain a healthy mouth free of disease.   Keeping one's mouth clean avoids problems such as bad breath as well as tooth decay, gum disease and gingivitis.  General guidelines for adults suggest brushing at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.   A good strategy is to brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed each night.