University Report: Sleep Deprivation and Dental Hygiene Program

This report examines the relationship between sleep deprivation and dental hygiene, using the Prochaska and DiClemente's Stages of Change Model. The author reflects on personal experiences with sleep insomnia and its adverse effects on oral health, including gum pain and toothaches. The report details the author's journey through the stages of change, from precontemplation to maintenance, highlighting how behavior modification, such as altering sleep patterns and adopting proper oral hygiene practices (brushing, flossing), led to improved oral health. The assignment also references studies that confirm the link between sleep disorders and periodontal diseases and emphasizes the importance of dental care. The report provides a practical application of the Stages of Change Model to understand and explain behavior change in a dental hygiene context.

Running head: SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM
Sleep Deprivation and Dental Hygiene Program
Name of the University:
Name of the student:
Author Note:

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Sleep Deprivation and Dental Hygiene Program
Teeth is one of the most important part of our body and hence dental hygiene or oral
hygiene is also essential. Teeth is the most essential part of our digestive system and plays the
most basic role. However, we often pay very little attention towards taking care of our teeth
and later, in time we all become a victim of or problems or dental issues. One of the major
reason for oral problem is Sleep Insomnia or Sleep Disorder. Insomnia is much visible and is
on the rise among bot the adults and the younger generation and it is adversely affecting our
oral health (Choueiry et al., 2016). In the following essay I wish to reflect upon the same
following the Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change Model.
Precontemplation (Not Ready):
This is the stage where people are uninformed or under informed regarding certain
health issue. In my case, I was experiencing sudden gum pain but was not really concerned
about it. I was of the view that it might be was the cold or some other thing. On telling my
parents about it, they suggested that I must see a doctor, but I did not pay heed to their words.
This behaviour, according to the model is called resistant or unready for help.
Contemplation (Getting Ready):
This is the stage where the people gradually cognise and accept their health
conditions. Within the next six month of feeling the pain, I gradually recognised that the pain
is increasing with growing tooth ache and rare incidents of gum-bleeding. However, still I
was reluctant to see a doctor, but at a point of time it started paining so much that I could not
eat any solid food and finally I decided to go and see a doctor. On seeing the doctor, I came
to know that it is my habit of staying up late and nocturnal eating that has caused this gum
pain.

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Sleep Deprivation and Dental Hygiene Program
Preparation (Ready):
The doctor told that one of the consequences of being an Insomniac is the oral health
hazard and this is very predominant in the present society. He mentioned, that it is especially
our nocturnal eating habit that causes the gum and tooth pain primarily. I further did a bit of
research and found out that a series of researches have been done upon the relation between
and insomnia and oral health. These studies have confirmed that sleep disorder causes certain
periodontal diseases and has a long term affect. They have also conducted certain panel
studies where it I proved that most of the insomniacs suffer from gum problems and have
undergone the dental pain (Tsuchiya et al., 2015). Certain researches have identifies the need
for proper dental care. Studies have confirmed certain home-ways like, proper habit of
brushing for thrice a day and flossing after dinner is essential and very effective for the oral
health (DeBowes et al., 2013).
Action:
This is the stage where the taking care and paying heed to the matter starts. As
suggested by my doctor, I started to change my habit of staying up late and instead I started
getting up early. This was initially proving to be very difficult, however, with time, within 2-
3 weeks I completely changed my habit of being an insomniac and also followed the
processes of brushing, flossing and mouth washing.
Maintenance:
This is the final part where the actions are to be absorbed within the lifestyle. Initially,
it was being quite difficult for me to continue brushing thrice a day but I try to do that
regularly. More importantly, I never forget to floss once I get back home after classes and
again after meal. This has improved my oral health condition. The pain now has reduced and
there is no gum bleeding at the moment.

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Sleep Deprivation and Dental Hygiene Program
Thus, I am now following the proper regime and trying to follow the three steps of
brushing, washing and flossing as guided by my doctor.
References:
Al Shatrat, S. M., Shuman, D., Darby, M. L., & Jeng, H. A. (2013). Jordanian dentists’
knowledge and implementation of eco‐friendly dental office strategies. International
dental journal, 63(3), 161-168.
Choueiry, N., Salamoun, T., Jabbour, H., El Osta, N., Hajj, A., & Khabbaz, L. R. (2016).
Insomnia and relationship with anxiety in university students: a cross-sectional
designed study. PloS one, 11(2), e0149643.
DeBowes, S. L., Tolle, S. L., & Bruhn, A. M. (2013). Parkinson’s disease: considerations for
dental hygienists. International journal of dental hygiene, 11(1), 15-21.