Paper #3

The Value of a Toothbrush

 

What if you didn’t have teeth? What if they fell out, one by one, leaving you with a tender, gummy smile, susceptible to question and judgment (Leviticus)? Would you get the same brand of dentures as your grandparents? Most importantly, would you continue to use your generic, hard-bristled toothbrush? Reading the remainder of this essay will give you the necessary knowledge needed to help keep you from having to prematurely answer these questions. Through this explanation, any concerns about the causes of, and how to avoid, oral calamities will be put to rest. The answer is simple: Your toothbrush choice affects the overall health of your teeth (Leviticus).

There are many characteristics that one must consider when picking out a toothbrush. These include the bristle texture, handle length, and many more components (Batchelor, Tips to Choose a Toothbrush, Choosing a Toothbrush: The Pros and Cons of Electric and Disposable, Advanced Dental Care of Austin). Though this may seem a little extensive for choosing a seemingly insignificant item, it is not. Advanced Dental Care of Austin says that “the toothbrush you choose can actually be detrimental to your oral health.” Advanced Dental Care of Austin was voted top dentist by Austin Monthly Magazine (Why Do Dentists Recommend Soft Toothbrushes? Which Brush is Best?).

Considering the first characteristic, many people think that hard-bristled toothbrushes are prone to do a better job of cleaning teeth than soft ones. The reasoning for this is that they have firmer bristles that can put more pressure on plaque (Batchelor).  This course of thought works well with other everyday chores, but “Soft, rounded bristles are the best choice for removing plaque and tartar buildup without damaging your teeth,” according to Advanced Dental Care of Austin (Why Do Dentists Recommend Soft Toothbrushes? Which Brush is Best?). Though common sense may say that harder surfaces put more strain on stains, if the tool used harms more than it helps, what is the point (Batchelor)?

Besides being a more effective cleanser, soft-bristled toothbrushes are also much safer than those of a harder exterior. Dentist Caitlin Batchelor from Virginia explains that brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush bites and chews away at the user's enamel, which is a kind of shield against cavities, bacteria, and gum disease (Batchelor, Leviticus). Using a hard-bristled toothbrush with the intention of enhancing oral care is ineffective. She continues, “Enamel is the pearly, hard white part of the tooth that covers the inner, softer layers. Enamel is there to protect your teeth from harmful bacteria, so you’re not doing yourself any favors by scrubbing away at it with too-hard bristles”(Batchelor). This incontestably states the necessity to use caution when choosing a toothbrush. On top of using a soft-bristled toothbrush, WebMD’s article “Choosing a Toothbrush: The Pros and Cons of Electric and Disposable” explains that ensuring you have rounded tips will even further secure the safety of your teeth. My dad once bought two pre-greased frying pans. This defensive coat kept food from sticking to the pan, also creating a shiny, fresh sheen. Eventually though, this beautiful glaze was scraped off, bit by bit, as careless hands habitually used sharp forks and metal spoons to create sticky concoctions. In the end, this beautiful varnish became ineffective due to the hard objects used on it. Hard-bristled toothbrushes work at the user’s enamel with the same promised conclusion.  Making sure to only buy and use soft-bristled, round-tipped toothbrushes will help protect the user’s enamel and therefore, the overall health of their smile. This statement provides the promise of real “guarantees” supported by fact (Batchelor, Leviticus, Choosing a Toothbrush: The Pros and Cons of Electric and Disposable).

Jill Leviticus, the author of the article “About Receding Gums,” found on Livestrong.com, points out that receding gums and exposed roots are also a direct result of using hard-bristled toothbrushes (Leviticus). Again, this is an example the damage that can result from making a bad toothbrush choice. Not only could you lose your teeth, but receding gums are also painful (Leviticus). They are the cause of hidden cavities, gum disease and sensitivity (Batchelor, Leviticus). There are solutions and programs meant to help people with gum disease and recession (Leviticus). Though these options exist, avoiding these oral catastrophes through an effective and safe toothbrush choice will be less expensive and painful than the resulting need for repair work. Livestrong.com is a site that says they are “here to make [their] members lives stronger, healthier and happier” (Why We Are Here: Dare To Change Your Life).

Gum disease can also be a result of inadequate tooth care which can be traced back to the specific attributes of the user’s toothbrush. One may argue, “I brush my teeth morning and night, and floss each day. What changes could I possibly make?” Many people are not aware of the importance of the characteristics of a toothbrush handle, explained by the author of the article “Tips to Choose a Toothbrush.” These are comfort, flexibility, and the inclusion of “non-slip grips” (Tips to Choose a Toothbrush). Instinctively, we are more inclined to do something if it doesn’t hurt, or if it isn’t uncomfortable. Buying a toothbrush that is comfortable to use is likely to increase the number of times a person brushes their teeth. The flexibility of a toothbrush handle contributes largely to this desired comfort, as it makes cleaning difficult areas in the mouth much easier. Again tying into the user’s comfort, the author of this article states that finger grips attached onto the handle actually enhances the capability of the user in cleaning their teeth. With this greater ability, improved by these needed toothbrush characteristics, the user’s regular efforts towards good oral hygiene will be more sufficient than if no consideration towards these elements had been given (Tips to Choose a Toothbrush).

Another important factor that should be studied when buying an effective toothbrush is toothbrush head size. The Health Site website expresses the opinion that toothbrush heads that are small are better than larger ones. The reasoning for this is similar to that for the argument supporting a flexible handle: It makes cleaning the entire mouth easier by helping the user get to “hard-to-reach areas,” as WebMD puts it (Tips to Choose a Toothbrush, Choosing a Toothbrush: The Pros and Cons of Electric and Disposable). This contributes to achieving the overall goal of having a healthy mouth, therefore stating its relevance.

Many people may say that it takes too much time, effort and finances to determine what type of toothbrush is the best for them and then to actually find one. Being very busy myself, and not particularly wealthy, I can see how this type of reasoning may seem rational. Thankfully, it is not altogether as complicated as these words may make it seem. WebMD explains that one simple way to be certain that your child’s toothbrush is safe to use, and sufficient, is to make sure it has the American Dental Association seal of approval proudly displayed on the packaging. WebMD’s confidence in using such a method to ensure a child’s health states the reliability of it (Choosing a Toothbrush: The Pros and Cons of Electric and Disposable). If it is helpful for children's health--often the age group with the worst tooth care--it should be beneficial for all ages. Taking this simple step, making sure that your toothbrush has been deemed acceptable by this prestigious organization, insures one more level of protection from gum disease and other aforementioned oral attacks made by insufficient toothbrushes.  

Personally associated with more than one hundred medical specialists, WebMD demonstrates its devotion to guiding its audience towards a healthy lifestyle (Who We Are, WebMD). American Dental Association, or ADA, defines itself as, “America’s leading advocate for oral health” (American Dental Association). This shows the overwhelming care they seek to convey to America through their authentic inspections of diverse toothbrushes.

By simply spending a few extra minutes in the Health and Beauty aisle, you could save yourself a much longer period of time spent searching for medical help and money drained on applying such. Being sure that the toothbrush you choose meets all of the before mentioned criteria--before calamity strikes--will reward you in full. The American Academy of Periodontology tells us that, “One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease,” a kind of gum disease (CDC: Half of American Adults Have Periodontal Disease). Don’t be gypped out of your ability to smile and display the world’s most renowned expression of happiness.

Works Cited

Advanced Dental Care of Austin. Advanced Dental Care of Austin, 2015. Web. Dec 1. 2015.

American Dental Association. American Dental Association, 2015. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

Batchelor, Caitlin. “Why You Should Switch to a Soft Toothbrush.” Caitlin Batchelor Dentistry. Caitlin Batchelor Dentistry, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

 “CDC: Half of American Adults Have Periodontal Disease.” American Academy of Periodontology. American Academy of Periodontology, 2015. Web. 3 Dec. 2015.

“Choosing a Toothbrush: The Pros and Cons of Electric and Disposable.” WebMD. WebMD, 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.

Leviticus, Jill. “About Receding Gums.” Livestrong. Demand Media. eHow Health. 20 Oct. 2013. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

 “Tips to Choose a Toothbrush.” The Health Site. Kenmore Family Dentist, 7 Dec. 2012. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

“Who We Are.” WebMD. WebMD, 2015. Web. 9 Dec. 2015.

“Why Do Dentists Recommend Soft Toothbrushes? Which Brush is Best?” Advanced Dental Care of Austin. Advanced Dental Care of Austin, 2014. Web.  1 Dec. 2015.

“Why We Are Here: Dare To Change Your Life.” Livestrong. eHow, 2015. Web. 5 Dec. 2015.

In Class Lab 12/1

Paper #1

1.

a. The main point the author is making is that declawing cats is wrong.

b. The author’s thesis is stated clearly in her last paragraph, though strongly implied throughout the rest of the argument.  

2.

a. Her reasons include the fact that declawing is painful, that it disrupts the cats motor functions, and that it takes away their defense mechanism needed to survive.

b. The description of the process given by an expert provide reason to make the reader believe that declawing would be disruptive to the feline’s abilities. Referring to the well-known fact that cats use their claws to protect themselves proves the truthfulness of third reason, and the quote from the All Feline Hospital website makes the statement of lingering pain reliable.

c. The reasons are believable and sufficient.

3.

a. The author provides many counter arguments. The author deals with them by appealing to the reader through pathos.

b. The author responds to some of them with more firmness while looking at others logically and then conquering.

c. The author does treat the other arguments as sort of valid but then dismisses them.

d. There are some statements that seem over generalized about the pain after the surgery that would be more believable with statistics.

3. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and past president of the Academy of Feline Medicine, and All Feline Hospital Website.

a. She quotes both.

b. The first is very credible as it is full of fact and no opinions. The second is credible, though the last sentence puts a little bit of doubt in the reader.

c. The reader does not specify when they were presented.

5.

a. The author assumes the reader is uneducated on the topic.

b. The last sentence of the essay helps me relate to the topic.

c. The author and I share the opinion that declawing is too extreme and dangerous.

 

 

Paper #2

 

1.

a. That the sale of marijuana is a good way to improve the finance of the US, schools, and healthcare in the US.

b. It was mostly implied, thought the last sentence was a little clearer.

2.

a. Taxes for marijuana is given to schools in large tax amounts. That Colorado is thought to gain $125 million in tax revenue in a year.

b. The author provides statistics and other facts.  

c. Very persuasive reasons

3.

a. He does mention counter arguments. Deals with them by first eloquently describing the opposing view and then shooting it down with statistics.

b. He responds very reasonably, though it is subject to question and opinion.

c. He is respectful.

d. His arguments ignore the fact that if marijuana is open in families, children will be likely to get into it, potentially hurting their education to  degree, that the class room setting doesn’t matter.

4.

a. The DEA is used as a counter argument. Colorado Department of Revenue is used as a support. The teacher is used as a counter argument.

b. all very credible

c. all very resent.

5.

a. the writer includes me by talking about students and, “our” children.

b. the use of “our” includes me.

c. The desire for education and healthcare to be good is shared by me.

 

 

Polished Rough Draft Paper #3

What if you didn’t have teeth? What if they fell out, one by one, leaving you with a tender, gummy smile, susceptible to question and judgment? Would you get the same brand of dentures as your grandparents? Could this potentially disturb you life? Reading the remainder of this essay will give you the necessary knowledge needed to help keep you from having to prematurely answer these questions. Through this explanation, any concerns about the causes of, and how to avoid, oral calamities will be put at rest. The answer is simple: Your toothbrush choice affects the overall health of your teeth. (Leviticus)

There are many characteristics that one must consider when picking out a toothbrush. These include the bristle texture, handle length, and many more components. Though this may seem a little extensive for choosing a seemingly unimportant item, it is not. Advanced Dental Care of Austin says that “the toothbrush you choose can actually be detrimental to your oral health.” Advanced Dental Care of Austin was voted top dentist by Austin Monthly Magazine.

First of all, many people think that hard-bristled toothbrushes are prone to do a better job of cleaning teeth than soft ones. The reasoning for this may argue that this is true because they have firmer bristles that can put more pressure on plaque, therefore cleaning the teeth better.  This course of thought works well in other everyday chores, but “Soft, rounded bristles are the best choice for removing plaque and tartar buildup without damaging your teeth,” according to Advanced Dental Care of Austin. Though common sense may say that harder surfaces put more strain on stains, if the tool used to make such a change harms more than it helps, what is the point? (Batchelor)

Besides being a more effective cleanser, soft-bristled toothbrushes are also much safer than those of a harder exterior. Dentist Caitlin Batchelor from Virginia  explains that brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush bites and chews away at the user's enamel, which is a kind of shield against cavities, bacteria, and gum disease. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush with the intention of enhancing oral care is ineffective. She continues, “Enamel is the pearly, hard white part of the tooth that covers the inner, softer layers. Enamel is there to protect your teeth from harmful bacteria, so you’re not doing yourself any favors by scrubbing away at it with too-hard bristles.” Ensuring you have rounded tips will also improve your tooth care, on top of using a soft-bristled toothbrush. My dad once bought the two pre-greased frying pans. This defensive coat kept food from sticking to the pan, also creating a shiny, fresh sheen. Eventually though, this beautiful glaze will scraped off, bit by bit, as careless hands began to use sharp forks and metal spoons to create sticky concoctions. In the end, this beautiful varnish became ineffective do to the hard objects used on it. Hard-bristled toothbrushes work at the user’s enamel with the same promised conclusion.  Making sure to only buy and use soft-bristled, round-tipped toothbrushes will help protect the user’s enamel and therefore, the overall health of their smile.This statement provides the promise of real “guarantees”supported by fact.  (Batchelor, Leviticus)

In addition to dissapearing tooth enamel, Jill Leviticus, who has worked in the health field, points out that receding gums and exposed roots are also a direct result of using hard bristled toothbrushes. Not only could you lose your teeth, but receding gums are also painful. They are the cause of hidden cavities, gum disease and sensitivity. There are solutions and programs meant to help people with gum disease and recession. Though this is the case, avoiding something always requires less of an individual then the resulting need for repair. (Batchelor, Leviticus)

Gum disease can also be a result of inadequate tooth care. One may argue, “I brush my teeth morning and night, with a dentist recommended toothbrush, and floss each day. What changes could I possibly make?” Many people are not aware of the importance of the characteristics of a toothbrush handle explained by the author of the article Tips to Choose a Toothbrush. These are comfort, flexibility, and the inclusion of “non-slip grips.” Instinctively, we are more inclined to do something if it doesn’t hurt, or if it isn’t uncomfortable. Buying a toothbrush that is comfortable to use is likely to increase the number of times a person brushes their teeth. The flexibility of a toothbrush handle contributes largely to this desired comfort, as it makes cleaning difficult areas in the mouth much easier. Again tying into the user’s comfort, Admin states that finger grips attached onto the handle actually enhances the capability of the user in cleaning their teeth. Since oral discomfort occurs as a direct result of insufficient tooth care, one can assume that a toothbrush that will help them in the task of cleaning their teeth, will result in a happier set of chompers.(The Health Site)

    Toothbrush head size is another important factor that should be studied when buying a toothbrush. The Health Site website expresses the opinion that toothbrush heads that are small are better than larger ones. The reasoning for this is similar to that for the argument supporting a flexible handle: It makes cleaning the entire mouth easier by helping the user get to  “hard-to-reach areas,” as WebMD puts it. This contributes to achieving the overall goal of having a healthy mouth, therefore stating its relevance.

    Many people may say that it takes too much time, effort and finances to determine what type of toothbrush is the best for them and then to actually find one. Being very busy myself, and not particularly wealthy I can see how this type of reasoning may seem rational. Thankfully, it is not altogether as complicated as all of these words may make it seem. WebMD explains that one simple way to be certain that your childs toothbrush is safe to use and effective is to make sure it has the American Dental Association seal of approval proudly displayed on the packaging. WebMD’s confidence in using such a method to ensure a child’s health states the reliability of it. If it is helpful for children's health, often those with the worst tooth care, it should be beneficial for all ages.

WebMD states that in order to be sure your toothbrush choice is the right one, all you have to do is make sure it has the American Dental Association seal on the packaging. Personally associated with more than one hundred medical specialists, WebMD is devoted to guiding its audience towards a healthy lifestyle. American Dental Association, or ADA, defines itself as, “America’s leading advocate for oral health.” To back up this statement, their article, “Science in the News,” explains that they refer to scientific development and controversy found in the news, making summaries of these available to their viewers. This shows the overwhelming care and “advocacy” they seek to convey to America.

By simply spending a few extra minutes in the Health and Beauty aisle, you could save yourself time spent searching for medical help and money drained on applying such. Resources used to protect and perfect your smile before calamity strikes with be fully rewarded. Don’t be jipped out of your ability to display the world’s most renowned expression of happiness.

Works Cited

“Choosing a Toothbrush: The Pros and Cons of Electric and Disposable.” WebMD. WebMD, 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.

“Why Do Dentists Recommend Soft Toothbrushes? Which Brush is Best?” Advanced Dental Care of Austin. Advanced Dental Care of Austin, 2014. Web.  1 Dec. 2015.

Leviticus, Jill. “About Receding Gums.” Livestrong. Demand Media. eHow Health. 20 Oct. 2013. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

“Bleeding Gums and Swollen Gums are a Sign that You Need Professional Help Right Away.” Lakefront Family Dentistry. Lakefront Family Dentistry, 2015. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

Batchelor, Caitlin. “Why You Should Switch to a Soft Toothbrush.” Caitlin Batchelor Dentistry. Caitlin Batchelor Dentistry, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

“Tips to Choose a Toothbrush.” The Health Site. Kenmore Family Dentist, 7 Dec. 2012. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.

“Science in the News.” American Dental Association. American Dental Association, 2015. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.