Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing prevent the build-up of plaque, the sticky film of bacteria and food that forms on the teeth. Plaque sticks to grooves in the teeth and produces acids that can slowly eat away, or decay, the protective enamel surface of the teeth, causing holes (cavities) to form. Plaque also irritates gums and can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. In addition to brushing and flossing, antiseptic mouthwashes improve oral hygiene by killing some of the bacteria that help form plaque. Fluoride--in toothpaste, drinking water, or dental treatments--also helps to protect teeth by binding with enamel to make it stronger. Daily care is important in oral health, but so are regular visits to the dentist. At the dentist's office, the dentist...