11 Feb Spotlight on Men’s Oral Health
EVERYONE SHOULD BE taking good care of their teeth and gums, but did you know that this can mean different things for men and women? That’s right: men and women are different in their oral health, which is why we’re giving guys a few tips for how to keep those handsome smiles clean and healthy.
Make Brushing and Flossing a Priority
One significant difference between men and women’s oral health is that men tend to be less diligent than women in taking care of their smiles — up to 20 percent of men are less likely to change their toothbrushes regularly and brush twice a day. Make sure to address this by taking the time every morning and evening to brush and floss!
Oral Disease Risk Factors for Men
On average, men are more likely to drink, smoke, and chew tobacco than women, which puts them at higher risk of tooth loss, periodontitis (advanced gum disease), tooth loss, and oral cancer. Avoiding these harmful substances will go a long way to protecting your teeth and gums. We recommend not smoking or chewing tobacco at all and drinking less.
Men Are More at Risk of Dry Mouth
Because men are more prone to heart disease and high blood pressure than women, they are more likely to be taking medications for these conditions. Dry mouth is a common side effect of these medications, which can pose serious problems for oral health. We need our saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles and keep the pH of our mouths neutral. Less saliva means a higher chance of cavities, gum disease, and halitosis.
Manly Men Go to the Dentist
Men tend to neglect to schedule regular dental exams. There is a dangerous tendency to want to tough it out even if they suspect something might be wrong, We recommend twice-yearly dental exams even when you’re confident, nothing is wrong. When it comes to dental health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Together, We can help you “Smile Like You Mean It”
In taking care of their teeth and gums, men should be wary of getting into a “tough guy” mindset. There’s nothing tough about not getting needed treatment for cavities or gum disease, and there’s nothing manly about skipping brushing and flossing or not scheduling regular dental appointments. Keep up with those great oral hygiene habits, and don’t be a stranger to the dentist!