Question: Which hygiene practice has both social and health benefits?
A- coloring hair
B- brushing teeth
C- wearing deodorant
D- disposing of toxins
The Correct answer to the question above is B: brushing teeth and here is why. As early as 3000 B.C., the ancient Egyptians constructed crude toothbrushes from twigs and leaves to clean their teeth. Similarly, other cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Indians cleaned their teeth with twigs. The Chinese are believed to have invented the first natural bristle toothbrush in the 1400s, using pigs’ hair for the bristles and bone or bamboo for the handles. These toothbrushes were taken to Europe, and this design was adapted to use horsehairs, which many Europeans preferred. Other models in Europe used feathers. These ancient tools were not as clean as modern toothbrushes.
William Addis designed the more modern toothbrush in England around 1780. The handle was carved from cattle bone, and the brush portion was made from pigs’ hair as well. In 1844, the first 3-row bristle brush was designed. According to the Library of Congress, natural bristles made from animal hair were still used until Dupont de Nemours invented nylon. Nylon started the development of the modern toothbrush in 1938. By the 1950s, softer nylon bristles were created, and people preferred these for toothbrushes. The first electric toothbrush was made in 1939, and the first electric toothbrush widely used in the U.S. was invented in 1960.
Social Benefits of Brushing Teeth
Oral health affects people physically and psychologically and influences how they grow, enjoy life, look, speak, chew, taste food, and socialize, as well as their feelings of social well-being. The healthier and whiter your teeth, the more likely you are to smile. From a purely psychological perspective, people like to show off their best assets, and if you have beautiful professionally whitened teeth, you are going to smile more. The data backs up this idea with over 52 percent of people who were polled stating that they truly believe they would smile more if they had better teeth. This is because we all realize at a subconscious level that smiling makes us more socially approachable. From the poll, 53 percent of people notice a smile first and make a first impression judgment about you based on what they see. A stunning 89 percent believe that a great smile augments your appearance and makes you more attractive. When you are in a situation that requires you to win people over or be more comfortable, like at a job interview or on the first day of class, there is nothing like a perfect smile to break the ice. Regularly brushing and flossing can help your teeth stay white by reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing plaque buildup. Toothpaste gently rubs out stains on your teeth, and flossing removes bacteria that lead to plaque which can be unsightly.
Brushing your teeth will help to keep your breath fresh. We are all well aware of the effect of bad breath, particularly if you have a job where you have to deal with people all the time. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, for a minimum of 2 minutes each time. READ: Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday?
Health Benefits of Brushing Teeth
Probably the most important reason is the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. When you eat, the food starts to decompose in your mouth, and that causes bacteria to form in your mouth and on your teeth in the form of plague. If this plaque is not removed, it will slowly start to erode your teeth, and when lodged between the teeth and under your gum line, can cause gum disease. Gum disease will eventually lead to bone loss around the teeth and loss of the tooth itself.
Talking about bacteria, the bacteria that form in your mouth can be flushed down your throat and into your stomach. In extreme cases, this can cause a number of health problems It can increase the likelihood of cholesterol build-up, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
The bacteria in your bloodstream can be absorbed by your baby if you are pregnant. Research has shown that bacteria build-up and absorption can increase your chances of developing dementia by 30 to 40%.
And finally, regular brushing and overall dental health will significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This will, in the long run, reduce the amount of time you have to spend in your local Vancouver dentist’s chair and, more importantly, will reduce the amount of money you will have to spend to correct problems caused by poor dental care. ALSO READ: Good Oral Hygiene Routine For Kids & Adults
