Which of the following is a recommended practice when educating patients on plaque control?

In the context of educating patients on plaque control, incorporating both brushing and flossing is crucial. Brushing alone can effectively reduce plaque buildup on the surfaces of teeth, but it cannot adequately clean between the teeth where plaque also accumulates. Flossing plays an essential role in removing plaque and food particles from these interproximal areas, thus significantly contributing to overall oral health.

Encouraging patients to use both methods helps ensure that they are adopting a comprehensive plaque control strategy. This understanding aligns with current dental hygiene recommendations, emphasizing that both brushing and flossing work synergistically to maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent periodontal disease and cavities.

The other options provided do not promote effective plaque control. For instance, suggesting that only brushing is sufficient undermines the importance of cleaning between the teeth. Proposing that dental visits are not necessary disregards the essential role that professional cleanings play in removing tartar and providing guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques. Lastly, discouraging flossing is counterproductive to maintaining a clean oral environment, as it neglects the critical areas that brushing alone cannot reach.