Good oral hygiene is not something you should do only the day before you go to the dentist. It is a lifelong practice of cleaning and maintaining a healthy mouth that will not only prevent things like cavities and gum disease but also prevent future health issues throughout your body. The main culprit to man oral hygiene issues is bacteria which can build up and cause plaque. Plaque is created when the bacteria in your mouth produce acidic byproducts from the foods you eat, especially sugars and carbohydrates. While it may not be possible to remove all of this plaque on your own, there are steps you can take to make sure you can get rid of as much as possible.