Final Cause and Effect Essay - Onyi orji
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Onyinyechukwu
Mr. Ibeawuchi Uzoegwu
ENGL 1301
10/28/23
ENGL 1302 Cause and Effect Essay
Intro - Jay, a 21-year-old from the U.K., was featured in a recent episode of Embarrassing
Bodies due to his painful-looking smile, which was the result of abstaining from oral hygiene for
the majority of his life. "Over the years, I've eaten the wrong foods, I've drank lots of fizzy drinks, and I haven't really brushed them, I haven't flossed," he said.Unfortunately, neglecting his
toothbrush ultimately led to his teeth becoming "caked in tartar, hardened food debris, and bacteria that's built up over 20 years of not brushing his teeth."While it may have seemed like a minor negligence, the repercussions of not maintaining proper oral hygiene can unravel into a cascade of health issues, affecting both the individual and society at large. [
Kinonen, S. (2017, July 13). This is what your teeth look like when you go 20 years without brushing them. Allure.
].
Thesis - Neglecting the habit of regular tooth brushing leads to a host of health problems, ranging from oral issues like cavities and gum disease to systemic concerns such as cardiovascular diseases, all of which contribute to a significant strain on healthcare resources. Moreover, poor oral health doesn't merely confine its impact to the mouth. Bacteria thriving in the neglected oral cavity can enter the bloodstream, contributing to the development of systemic diseases. Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory infections. This interconnection between oral health and overall well-
being underscores the critical importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits.
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Regularly failing to brush your teeth can set off a series of negative events, the first of which is the disregard for good oral hygiene. The resultant effects can include a variety of health problems. Plaque buildup in the oral cavity acts as a trigger for a series of oral health issues that proceed from gingivitis and cavities to more serious diseases like periodontal disease.[R, Venturelli, et al. “Oral Health.” The Nutrition Source
, 2 Feb. 2023] The mouth cavity's immediate cause and effect relationship is not isolated; rather, it has effects that are felt throughout the body. An increased risk of respiratory infections, diabetes, and
cardiovascular diseases is associated with poor oral hygiene, since bacteria in the neglected oral cavity continue to grow unchecked and set the scene for systemic disorder which was stated by Hirotomi T, Yoshihara, in the “
Oral Health
”
article [N.I.H]. This relationship between ignoring dental health and the larger picture of general wellbeing emphasizes how critical it is to identify the underlying reason in order to lessen the consequences that follow. When oral health declines,
there is an increased demand on healthcare systems and individual medical costs, which puts further strain on available resources.[
N, Salari, et al. “Oral Health.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 8 May 2021
] Essentially, the cause of poor oral hygiene opens the door to a wide range of health issues, having a profound impact on both individual health and societal structures.
In addition to the negative effects on one's own health, poor dental hygiene can have serious financial repercussions. Healthcare systems have a significant financial burden from the expense of addressing oral health problems, particularly those resulting from substandard dental treatment. In addition to being costly, dental procedures like extractions, root canals, and fillings also add to the growing expense of healthcare. Moreover, the impact extends to workplace productivity. Oral health issues can lead to absenteeism and decreased productivity as
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individuals grapple with the pain and discomfort associated with dental problems. The economic ripple effect is felt not only by individuals but also by businesses and healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the root cause of these issues.
Ignoring dental hygiene can have serious consequences for mental health in addition to physical health. Chronic dental health problems can have a psychological toll that increases stress, anxiety, and lowers general mental health. Those who struggle with ongoing dental issues could feel ashamed of themselves and have low self-esteem because of the obvious effects of poor oral hygiene.[J., H. (2023, September 19). How dental health and mental health are connected. Psychiatry.org - How Dental Health and Mental Health Are Connected.] As oral health deteriorates, individuals may become reluctant to engage in social activities, avoiding interactions that involve smiling or speaking openly. This withdrawal from social situations can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, exacerbating mental health challenges. Moreover, the chronic pain associated with dental issues can lead to increased stress levels, negatively impacting one's ability to cope with daily challenges.[
DentalCMO. “The Ripple Effect: How Poor Oral Hygiene Impacts Your Life.” River Dental, 1 Aug. 2023
] Beyond the person, there are societal implications for mental health. The burden on mental health services is increasing as more people seek help for the psychological effects of poor oral hygiene. Healthcare systems are already dealing with the negative effects of poor dental hygiene on the economy and public health; an increase in the demand for mental health services puts further strain on them. The act of not brushing your teeths not only leads to physical ailments, as outlined in the thesis, but also contributes to a broader healthcare burden, encompassing mental health challenges. The cumulative strain on healthcare resources highlights the urgency of addressing oral hygiene practices on both individual and societal levels to promote
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comprehensive well-being. As individuals neglect the seemingly simple act of tooth brushing, the repercussions extend far beyond the oral cavity, impacting the intricate balance between physical and mental health.[
Mueller, Maxi, et al. “Relationship between Dental Experiences, Oral Hygiene Education and Self-Reported Oral Hygiene Behaviour.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, 24 Feb. 2022
]
However, it is essential to acknowledge that not everyone may have the means or awareness to prioritize oral health. Socioeconomic factors, inadequate access to dental care, and cultural beliefs can pose significant barriers to adopting proper oral hygiene practices. For some, the consequences of not brushing teeth may be a reflection of broader systemic issues in healthcare accessibility and education. Additionally, some argue that advancements in dental care, such as fluoride treatments and regular dental check-ups, mitigate the impact of irregular brushing. While these interventions are undoubtedly beneficial, they should not be viewed as substitutes for the fundamental habit of daily tooth brushing.[
De Jong-Lenters, Maddelon, et al. “Promoting Parenting Strategies to Improve Tooth Brushing in Children: Design of a Non-
Randomised Cluster-Controlled Trial.” BMC Oral Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 6 Sept. 2019
]
Some argue that neglecting oral hygiene is a personal choice, and individuals bear the primary responsibility for their own well-being. This point of view contends that people ought to make the initiative to prioritize their dental health by making frequent brushing a part of their daily routine. Supporters of this viewpoint stress the significance of individual agency in maintaining proper oral hygiene while admitting the influence of extrinsic variables such as cultural attitudes, socioeconomic constraints, and restricted access to dental treatment. Relying on societal or systemic changes may not address the core issue if individuals do not take the
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necessary steps to care for their teeth. It underscores the need for education campaigns and personal accountability to ensure that everyone, regardless of external circumstances, understands the significance of regular tooth brushing. [
Thornton-Evans GO. “Disparities in Oral Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Feb. 2021
]
While many contend that improvements in dental care, such fluoride treatments and routine checkups, can lessen the effects of sporadic brushing, it's important to think about the possible drawbacks of depending just on these interventions. Technical developments in dentistry practices might not completely eliminate the cause-and-effect relationship between poor oral hygiene and its effects. The idea that routine dental exams and fluoride treatments may completely counteract the negative consequences of inconsistent brushing ignores the basic cause-and-effect dynamics at work. These treatments unquestionably improve oral health, but they are insufficient to make up for a person's everyday lack of dental care. A false sense of security may result from relying exclusively on professional interventions, which could cause people to undervalue the need of taking personal responsibility for preserving oral health. Promoting the idea that dental advancements can fully counteract the consequences of neglecting oral hygiene may inadvertently foster a reactive rather than a proactive approach to oral health. Individuals may perceive dental visits as a remedy rather than recognizing the crucial
role of preventive measures like regular brushing. This reactive mindset could result in delayed intervention, allowing oral issues to progress before seeking professional help.[
Groisman, Sonia,
et al. “(PDF) Promotion of Maternal and Child Oral Health - Researchgate.” Researchgate, Sonia Groisman, 4 Apr. 2022
] While acknowledging the challenges some individuals face in maintaining good oral health, it is crucial to emphasize the preventive power of a simple
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toothbrush. Through increased awareness, education, and improved access to dental care, society
can collectively address the root causes of poor oral health, promoting overall well-being and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
In conclusion, the discussion about oral hygiene goes beyond structural issues to include how each person may take responsibility for their own health. As important as structural problems like access to dental care and socioeconomic inequality are, motivating individuals to take personal responsibility is still a critical part of maintaining oral health. A well-rounded strategy addresses structural obstacles as well as individual responsibility, resulting in a comprehensive plan to counteract the hidden dangers of poor oral hygiene. A collaborative effort
between institutional support and individual dedication can open the door to a healthier future as society works to enhance well-being.
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Works Cited
Kinonen, S. (2017, July 13). This is what your teeth look like when you go 20 years without brushing them. Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/man-didnt-brush-his-teeth-
for-20-years
J., H. (2023, September 19). How dental health and mental health are connected. Psychiatry.org - How Dental Health and Mental Health Are Connected. https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/how-dental-health-and-mental-health-
are-connected#:~:text=Dental%20health%20problems%20can%20impact,further
%20harming%20mental%20well%2Dbeing.
N, Salari, et al. “Oral Health.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 8 May 2021, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
R, Venturelli, et al. “Oral Health.” The Nutrition Source, 2 Feb. 2023, www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/oral-health/#:~:text=Studies%20show%20that
%20poor%20oral,both%20mental%20and%20overall%20health.
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DentalCMO. “The Ripple Effect: How Poor Oral Hygiene Impacts Your Life.” River Dental
, 1 Aug. 2023, www.riverdentalar.com/blog/the-ripple-effect-how-poor-oral-
hygiene-impacts-your-life/#:~:text=Dental%20problems%20can%20lead%20to,hinder
%20personal%20and%20professional%20relationships
Mueller, Maxi, et al. “Relationship between Dental Experiences, Oral Hygiene Education and Self-Reported Oral Hygiene Behaviour.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, 24 Feb. 2022, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0264306
De Jong-Lenters, Maddelon, et al. “Promoting Parenting Strategies to Improve Tooth Brushing in Children: Design of a Non-Randomised Cluster-Controlled Trial.” BMC Oral Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 6 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6731582/
Thornton-Evans GO. “Disparities in Oral Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 Feb. 2021, www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/oral_health_disparities/index.htm
Groisman, Sonia, et al. “(PDF) Promotion of Maternal and Child Oral Health - Researchgate.” Researchgate
, Sonia Groisman, 4 Apr. 2022, www.researchgate.net/publication/360268526_PROMOTION_OF_MATERNAL_AND_C
HILD_ORAL_HEALTH