Oral hygiene habits are strongly associated with general health behaviours; good oral self care should result in good dental health. Clinical dental hygiene services have limited long range probability of success if the patient is not diligent in the daily procedures of personal care to remove and control dental plaque. Therefore, it is important to help make the individual aware of their own ability to control and maintain good oral health after a dental prophylaxis through oral care instruction and the use of select antimicrobials to maintain the gingival health. This paper reviews the evidence outlining the relative roles of prophylaxis and correct oral self-care in maintaining gingival health.
© 2011 FDI World Dental Federation.