Oral hygiene is an essential part of our over all health.  Maintaining good oral health provides a good appearance to others and also allows the teeth, gums and other structures in the oral cavity to serve our body properly. The mouth and oral pharynx are our body’s initial defense against many of the pathogens that we breathe, drink, eat, and come into contact with everyday. Keeping oral tissues healthy helps ensure that most bacteria, parasites, and viruses are destroyed before they can enter and possibly infect other body systems.