Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean. Oral hygiene is a health program to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath (halitosis), and other dental disorders.

Oral hygiene consists of both personal and professional care. Dental X-rays (radiographs) may be performed as part of routine professional examinations.

Regular tooth cleaning by the dental hygienist is recommended to remove tartar (mineralized plaque) that may develop even with careful brushing and flossing, especially in areas that are difficult for a patient to reach on his own at home. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated. This involves the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth.

Most dental hygienists recommend having the teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months[
More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during the treatment of many of the dental/oral disorders.

Routine examination of the teeth is recommended at least every year. This may include yearly, select dental X-rays.

However, in between cleanings by a dental hygienist, everyone must have good oral hygiene to support the professional care.