Introduction
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for achieving a healthy lifestyle. This explains why regular teeth brushing is considered one of the most critical oral care practices. The practice involves cleaning teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste. For effective cleaning, it is advisable to gently scrub the teeth and gum plaque, a sticky substance made from leftover food particles and saliva that can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Therefore, regular brushing of teeth removes plaque that may erode tooth enamel if left to accumulate.
With that said, this argumentative essay discusses the benefits of teeth brushing. It refutes the counterargument by emphasizing the long-term value and potential consequences of neglecting oral hygiene. Overall, regular teeth brushing is an effective way of sustaining good oral hygiene, improving gum health, removing plaque, and getting rid of bad breath, despite the counterargument that it is a time-consuming chore.
Arguments in Favor of Tooth Brushing
Protecting Tooth Enamel
Firstly, regular brushing of teeth is crucial for removing plaque, which, if left to accumulate, may end up eroding tooth enamel. It is imperative to note that the importance of dental hygiene dates back to ancient times, as evidenced in Cotter’s (para. 7) article, which shows how ancient people utilized tooth powders comprising crushed seashells. However, modern toothpaste fortified with fluoride helps “reduce the risk of caries associated with sugar intake” (Fernandes et al. 1). Fluoride toothpaste diminishes the possibility of tooth decay. In addition, toothbrush bristles have proven effective in eliminating food particles lodged between teeth and along the gum, preventing plaque formation.
While some critics may argue against regular tooth brushing, the overwhelming evidence substantiates its fundamental role in maintaining optimal oral health. Therefore, regular tooth brushing will allow us to combat plaque effectively, prevent dental ailments, and safeguard our overall well-being. Everyone is encouraged to commit to this simple act of brushing their teeth regularly.
Promoting Gum Health
Secondly, regularly brushing teeth is not just a waste of time—it is a critical practice promoting gum health. Neglecting oral hygiene may increase the risk of bone and tissue loss around the teeth (Crnapara 2), besides having severe consequences such as gum inflammation, cavities, and gingivitis. These conditions come with a lot of pain and discomfort, making everyone need to prioritize their gum health.
By brushing our teeth, we can actively remove plaque that causes gum problems. Furthermore, the act of brushing in itself stimulates gums and, in the process, improves blood circulation. In fact, electric toothbrushes were introduced to improve the early practice of using chew sticks such as miswak (Cotter para. 7).
Ideally, we must make brushing our teeth a daily routine to maintain healthy gums. While some may argue that brushing alone is insufficient and may question its efficacy, extensive research has consistently demonstrated the overwhelming benefits of regular brushing in preventing gum disease. Therefore, let us not be quick to ignore this critical step in oral hygiene.
Improving Oral Hygiene
Thirdly, brushing teeth regularly is not just a task for gum health maintenance but also a practice for improving overall oral hygiene. Experts such as Cotter emphasize that everyone should brush their teeth regularly to freshen their breath by eliminating odor-causing bacteria and preventing stains and discoloration. It is imperative to note that older adults are highly susceptible to oral infections (Coll et al. 16). Neglecting oral health can lead to systemic health problems, making regular brushing a vital practice.
While some critics may argue that brushing alone is insufficient for optimal oral health, it is essential to acknowledge that brushing is a foundational step. They may claim that additional measures, such as flossing or mouthwash, are significant. However, brushing regularly is an ideal starting point – one that serves as a strong foundation for a comprehensive oral care routine that can be built upon. Therefore, everyone needs to recognize the significance of daily brushing by devoting a few minutes each day to this practice.
Preventing Periodontitis
Fourthly, regular brushing of teeth plays an important role in preventing the development of periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that, when left untreated, leads to inflammation. It damages the soft tissue around teeth (Mayo Clinic para. 1). However, some may argue that professional dental cleaning prevents periodontitis, negating the need for regular brushing. While it is important to acknowledge the importance of visiting a professional dentist for removing stubborn calculus, they are mainly performed every six months.
Therefore, neglecting oral hygiene for up to six months allows plaque accumulation, thus increasing the risk for periodontitis. Regular brushing comes in to help remove plaque and, in the process, prevent its buildup. Ideally, we all need to brush our teeth regularly and occasionally seek services for professional dental cleanings. The two are among the most effective preventive measures against periodontitis and other oral health complications. By making this simple practice a daily routine, we can take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Avoiding Bad Breath
Lastly, brushing your teeth regularly is crucial when fighting bad breath. Persistent bad breath, known as halitosis, is caused by bacterial buildup and poor oral hygiene. However, we can mitigate this by brushing our teeth and tongue regularly – it helps eliminate bacteria and food debris, freshens one’s breath, and promotes a clean oral environment. Moreover, the use of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) protocols in root canal treatment, as cited by Plazza et al., has proven effective in removing and exposing dentinal tubules (4). In addition, PUI can be utilized to remove the smear layer and biofilm, contributing to improved root canal system cleaning.
More importantly, it is important to observe that bacteria can easily accumulate on the tongue between taste buds, which explains why this area is critical for oral hygiene practices (Schaefer para. 3). Considering the evidence in these articles, it is clear that brushing teeth regularly and thoroughly is necessary for fighting bad breath. Therefore, we must prioritize brushing their teeth at least twice a day, using proper brushing techniques, and including tongue cleaning as part of their oral hygiene routine.
Counterargument
In line with the above, one overriding counterargument against the importance of brushing teeth regularly is that it is a time-consuming and unnecessary chore. Some may argue that they do not have the time or motivation to brush their teeth or their children’s teeth regularly (Mustafa et al. 80). However, this argument neglects the long-term benefits and potential consequences of ignoring oral hygiene.
Brushing teeth only takes a few minutes each day, a small investment compared to the potential pain, discomfort, and costly dental treatments that can arise from dental problems. Furthermore, with electric toothbrushes and advancements in oral care products, brushing has become more efficient and enjoyable than ever before. We must prioritize oral health and recognize the long-term value of brushing teeth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the common counterargument that brushing teeth is a time-consuming and useless activity, it is crucial for maintaining proper oral hygiene. Brushing teeth has several advantages, such as preventing tooth decay and removing plaque, promoting gum health, enhancing general oral hygiene, preventing periodontitis, and reducing foul breath. Even while some may contest the need for routine tooth brushing, the vast majority of data points to its critical role in preserving the best possible oral health. Poor oral hygiene can have serious repercussions, including systemic health issues and dental disorders. Therefore, brushing our teeth takes only a few minutes from our hectic schedules.
Still, it is far more work than the possible pain, suffering, and expensive dental procedures resulting from improper oral hygiene. Thanks to the development of sophisticated oral hygiene products and methods, brushing teeth is now more effective and pleasurable. All things considered, we need to put oral health first and acknowledge the long-term benefits of consistent tooth brushing as the cornerstone of an all-encompassing oral hygiene regimen.
Works Cited
Coll, Patrick P., et al. “The Prevention of Infections in Older Adults: Oral Health.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, vol. 68, no. 2, Wiley-Blackwell, 2020, pp. 411–16.
Cotter, Jane. “How Did People Clean Their Teeth in the Olden Days?” The Conversation, Web.
Fernandes, Nayanna Lana Soares, et al. “Effectiveness of Fluoride-containing Toothpastes Associated with Different Technologies to Remineralize Enamel After pH Cycling: An in Vitro Study.” BMC Oral Health, vol. 22, no. 1, BioMed Central, 2022, pp. 1–15.
Mustafa, Manal, et al. “Attitudes toward Brushing Children’s teeth—A Study Among Parents with Immigrant Status in Norway.” International Journal of Pediatrics Dentistry, vol. 31, no. 1, Wiley, 2020, pp. 80–88.
Nall, Rachel. “Here’s What Happens When You Don’t Brush Your Teeth.” Healthline, Web.
“Periodontitis – Symptoms and Causes – Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 2023, Web.
Plazza, Flávia A., et al. “Effectiveness of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation Protocols in Simulated Complex Root Canal Cavities.” Oral, vol. 3, no. 1, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2022, pp. 1–10.
Schaefer, Anna. “Why Brushing Your Tongue is Important for Oral Health.” Healthline, Web.