Final answer:
Mouth care should include the cleaning of teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, palate, and the oral vestibule to maintain oral health and control microbial flora. Regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene practices are crucial for preventing dental caries and infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
During mouth care, several surfaces of the mouth should be cleaned. This includes the teeth, the gums, the inside of the cheeks, the tongue, and the palate. Additionally, the area known as the oral vestibule, which is the pocket-like part of the mouth bordered externally by the cheeks and lips and internally by the gums and teeth, should also be cleaned thoroughly to manage the microbial flora present in the mouth and maintain oral health.
Microbes such as bacteria and archaea coat all surfaces of the oral cavity, with unique communities residing on different structures like the teeth and cheeks. Despite the defense mechanisms of saliva and mechanical actions from chewing, these microbes can lead to dental caries and other infections. Thus, regular dental cleanings and proper mouth care are essential to prevent damage and control the growth of these microorganisms.
Effective mouth care involves brushing the teeth, using dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between the teeth, and cleaning the tongue to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. Swishing with mouthwash can also help remove particles and kill bacteria that brushing might miss.