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 and cleaning between the teeth.

It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease.

The most common types of dental disease are tooth decay (cavities, dental caries) and gum diseases, including gingivitis, and periodontitis

Regular brushing consists of brushing twice a day: after breakfast and before going to bed. 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 cleans 50% of the surfaces