Oral hygiene or dental care is a series of practices which are intended to promote the prolonged health of the teeth, gums and tongue. Its primary aims are to remove residual bits of food from the teeth and mouth, control the amount of bacteria in the mouth and prevent the buildup of harmful plaque in the teeth and gums. Dentists recommend that adults floss their teeth once per day and brush their teeth at least two to three times per day, particularly after meals. Rinsing with mouthwash also reduces potentially harmful buildups of bacteria. Certain foods, particularly foods with high sugar content, can damage tooth enamel and should be limited or avoided.
