The teeth are vital in assuring that an individual can eat a proper diet and a variety of foods to remain healthy. Good oral hygiene prevents many of the dental and oral disorders that need to be prevented in order to have healthy teeth and mouth. Update Date: 05/28/2008Jason S. Baker, DMD, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Private Practice, Yonkers, New York. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.