What is the overall goal of maintaining good oral hygiene as promoted by dental hygienists?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is primarily aimed at enhancing overall health and well-being. Dental hygienists emphasize that a healthy mouth contributes significantly to a person's overall physical health. Good oral hygiene helps prevent dental diseases such as cavities and gum disease, which can lead to more serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. By promoting practices like regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, hygienists strive to instill lifelong habits that contribute to both oral and systemic health.

While other factors, like reducing dental procedure costs and improving the appearance of dental appliances, may also be outcomes of good oral hygiene, they are not the primary goal. Similarly, increasing dental practice revenue does not align with the foundational objective of promoting patient health and preventing disease. The overarching focus remains on creating a healthy environment in the mouth, which ultimately supports the individual's overall health and enhances their quality of life.