A REVIEW ON ORAL CARE

Oral health is essential for overall well-being, with dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral lesions among the most common global health problems. This review covers the structure and function of teeth, the prevalence of oral diseases globally and in India, and the importance of oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Preventive measures, including fluoride use, healthy diet, oral health education, and early interventions, help reduce disease burden. Management focuses on individualized treatment, mechanical and chemical therapies, and regular follow-up. Common oral care products, such as fluoride toothpaste, chlorhexidine rinses, antiseptic mouthwashes, interdental aids, saline rinses, and dry-mouth relief gels, support prevention and treatment. Recent innovations, including automated and smart toothbrushes, oral microbiome-based therapies, photodynamic systems, advanced water flossers, and bioactive toothpastes, are improving oral care outcomes and quality of life. Keywords: Oral health, dental caries, periodontal disease, oral hygiene, fluoride, oral care products, xerostomia, interdental cleaning, automated toothbrushes, oral microbiome, photodynamic therapy, preventive dentistry.