In order to enjoy good oral health, it is important to establish a thorough daily oral hygiene routine; this will help to remove harmful bacteria from the mouth, which will prevent conditions including gum disease and tooth decay.

A daily oral hygiene routine should include regular brushing, flossing and rinsing using mouthwash; dentists in Kent recommend using a toothbrush with a medium or small head so that the patient can reach the corners of their mouth and toothpaste that contain fluoride as this helps to protect the enamel surface of the teeth. Dentists advise patients to brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and follow this by using dental floss; floss and mouthwash help to remove traces of bacteria that may be missed during brushing.

Having poor oral hygiene contributes to dental health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay; both conditions may mean that the patient requires complex root canal treatment to save the tooth but if the decay or gum disease is too advanced, the patient will usually lose their tooth.

Oral hygiene is a fundamental part of all dental jobs and dentists and dental professionals are eager to promote the importance of good oral hygiene; recent studies have revealed that oral health is an indicator of general health so having good dental health is important for confidence and self-esteem, as well as contributing to good general health.