Oral Hygiene and its Advancements

I. Abstract

II. Thesis: Proper oral hygiene is essential to our overall health because it promotes healthier

gums, reduces the risk of oral diseases, and helps to diminish tooth decay.

III. Introduction - general overview of oral hygiene

IV. Body Paragraphs:

V. Miswak’s Effectiveness

Miswak (origins and usefulness)

A. Miswak is a twig traditionally used to brush one's teeth and clean one's mouth.

Thousands of years ago, ancient empires allegedly employed this method from the

Babylonians to the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptian culture (Bailey, 2021). This

extraction has antimicrobial qualities that help prevent tooth decay and gum

disease. Miswak twigs can be obtained from a broad range of trees, save

poisonous or harmful to people, such as pomegranate or myrtle.

VI. Diseases (oral - past and present)

Tooth Attrition

A. Attrition can occur on two surfaces of the tooth: the occlusal surface and the

proximal end. According to the research findings, prehistoric humans were more

susceptible to these two types of attrition than modern humans (Handelman,

2018). Periodontitis was shown to be the primary cause of most severely damaged

teeth. A high rate of tooth attrition exposed the pulp cavity, resulting in the

development of periodontitis.

Periodontitis

B. Periodontitis is a disease that affects individuals worldwide and is particularly

prevalent in the elderly. It has impacted people from all walks of life and nations

throughout history. When archaeologists studied ancient people's jawbones and

teeth, they discovered they suffered periodontitis, a more severe form of dental

caries (Kinane et al., 2017). According to recent research, periodontitis was one of

the most prevalent diseases discovered in 5,000–4,000-year-old Egyptian

mummies (Arming &Wilson, 2020).

Dental Caries

C. Tooth decay or dental caries is the gradual deterioration of teeth caused by

bacteria in the mouth producing acid. Cavities are available in various colors,
 including yellow, brown, and black. Symptoms like discomfort and difficulty

eating are possible. There is a possibility that no symptoms are present.

VII. Current Oral Health Care

Toothbrush

A. Generally, a soft-bristled toothbrush is the most comfortable and safest option for

most people. Brushes with medium- or hard-bristled bristles may do more harm

than good to the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel, depending on

the brushing technique used and the tooth strength of the individual (Capritto,

2021).

Floss

B. Flossing is a critical oral hygiene habit to establish. Cleaning and dislodging food

lodged between the teeth reduces the number of bacteria and plaque in the mouth,

which is beneficial to one’s health. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth,

resulting in cavities and gum disease (Anuwong Nugroho et al., 2017).

Mouthwash

C. Mouthwash is used to clean and refresh the mouth and maintain fresh breath

following tooth cleaning. Additionally, it helps keep the overall health of the
 mouth and teeth. By using mouthwash, one may help eliminate bacteria from the

mouth and avoid the production of dental plaque (Anuwong Nugroho et al.,

2017).

Toothpaste

D. Plaque helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay, two conditions that, if left

untreated, can progress to more serious dental problems. By gently rubbing the

surface of the teeth, the toothbrush and toothpaste eliminate food particles,

bacteria, and plaque (Raorane et al., 2018). Typically, toothpaste contains a taste

enhancer and a foaming agent, which aids in simplifying and improving the

brushing experience (Anuwong Nugroho et al., 2017).

Toothpicks

E. However, to avoid injuring or infecting the gums, people should not clean

between their teeth with hard wooden toothpicks. Toothpicks that are used

incorrectly or regularly may cause harm to previously performed dental work,

such as fillings or veneers, if they are not changed (Anuwong Nugroho et al.,

2017).

VIII. Islamic Perspective - what does islam say about oral hygiene?

I. Narrated Abu Bakr the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “The siwak is cleansing to the mouth

and pleasing to the Lord”

 Musnad Ahmad 7

IX. Conclusion

I. Maintaining excellent dental health is critical for overall health and decreasing

pain and suffering connected with oral illness. It is also crucial for oral disease

prevention. Microorganisms are frequently defeated by the body's natural

defenses and by practicing reasonable oral hygiene procedures such as regular

brushing and flossing. Without routine dental treatment, bacteria in the mouth can

grow to hazardous levels, resulting in potentially life-threatening oral illnesses

such as tooth decay and gum disease. Thus, proper cleaning, flossing, good

toothpaste, and regular dental visits help maintain oral hygiene.