Dental hygiene is the practical day-to-day care that removes plaque, protects teeth and gums, and helps prevent oral disease. This guide focuses on how to care for your mouth; for the broader prevention strategy, see our Preventive Dentistry guide.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Walter Kostrzewski, DMD
Dr. Kostrzewski has more than two decades of experience in dentistry and reviews the dental information published by ACE Dental Resource.
What Does Good Dental Hygiene Include?
A basic routine includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth regularly, and receiving professional dental care according to your individual needs. [1][2]
| Part of the routine | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Brushing | Removes plaque from accessible tooth surfaces and delivers fluoride. |
| Interdental cleaning | Removes plaque and debris from spaces a toothbrush cannot adequately reach. |
| Tongue cleaning | Helps remove coating and debris from the tongue. |
| Professional care | Allows examination and removal of hardened calculus that home cleaning cannot remove. |
How to Brush Your Teeth
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the brush at about a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and use gentle, short strokes. Clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth rather than concentrating only on the front surfaces. [2][3]
The ADA recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Replace a toothbrush when the bristles become worn; the ADA suggests roughly every three to four months for many people. [3]
Cleaning Between Your Teeth
Clean between the teeth at least once a day using floss, an interdental brush, or another method recommended for your mouth. The best choice depends on the size of the spaces, dental work, dexterity, and personal preference. [1][2]
| Method | Useful for | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Dental floss | Tight contacts between teeth | Technique matters. |
| Interdental brush | Larger spaces and some periodontal areas | Needs an appropriate size. |
| Water flosser | People who find hand floss difficult; braces and some fixed dental work | Use according to professional advice; it complements toothbrushing. |
ADA-accepted water flossers have evidence for plaque removal and reducing gingivitis, and may be useful for people who have difficulty flossing manually. [4]
Mouthwash: Is It Necessary?
Mouthrinse can be useful in selected situations, but it does not replace brushing and interdental cleaning. Some therapeutic rinses contain active ingredients intended to address specific problems, while cosmetic rinses may mainly mask odor temporarily. Ask your dentist which, if any, is appropriate for you. [5]
What About the Tongue?
Gently brushing the tongue is part of good oral hygiene and can help remove surface coating. Persistent bad breath, however, should not automatically be attributed to the tongue; gum disease, dry mouth, dental problems, tobacco, and other conditions can contribute. [6]
Dental Hygiene for Children
Parents or caregivers should help young children brush effectively until they have the coordination to do it themselves. Children should also receive age-appropriate dental guidance about fluoride, diet, interdental cleaning, and professional care. [2]
Dental Hygiene With Braces, Dentures or Implants
Orthodontic appliances, dentures, bridges, and implants create additional areas that may collect plaque or food. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate the appropriate brushes, floss aids, or water-flossing techniques for the specific appliance.
What If My Gums Bleed When I Clean Them?
Bleeding can occur with gingivitis and other gum problems. Persistent bleeding should not simply be ignored. If bleeding continues despite improved cleaning, or if you have swelling, recession, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath, arrange a dental examination. See our Gum Disease guide for symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Common Dental Hygiene Mistakes
- Brushing too aggressively.
- Cleaning only the visible front surfaces of teeth.
- Skipping interdental cleaning.
- Using mouthwash as a substitute for mechanical plaque removal.
- Ignoring persistent bleeding, swelling, pain, or bad breath.
- Failing to clean dental appliances according to professional instructions.