Why is oral health important for men?
Studies indicate that men are a lot less likely to take care of their oral health than women. Having good oral health has been linked with having a good life with fewer health problems. Men are less likely than women to seek out preventative dental care and often tend to neglect their oral health, which makes them more likely to seek out restorative dentistry procedures than women. Most men only visit their dentist when a problem arises regarding their oral health. Oral statistics show that the average man brushes his teeth about 1.9 times every day and will probably lose up to 5.4 of his teeth by the age of 72.
Here are 5 dental problems that men are likely to suffer from:
- Gum Disease and Periodontal Problems
A recent study conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry discovered that men have a much higher chance of developing gum disease than women. It was discovered that 34% of men between the ages of 30-50 tend to suffer from gum disease as compared to only 23% of women in the same age range. The main reason this occurs is due to the fact that men in this age range are a lot less likely to schedule and attend regular dental check-ups as well as general lack of oral care than their female counterparts. Men tend to lose teeth a lot faster than women due to damage and infections which is why they end up seeking more dental replacements than women.
- Dry Mouth
Men stand higher chances of developing dry mouth than women as they are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease which requires medication that can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth allows bacteria to thrive in your mouth which leads to common dental problems like gum disease.
- Oral Cancer due to Tobacco and Smoking
Smoking and chewing tobacco increases your chances of getting oral cancer and gum disease. Men are twice as likely to get oral cancer due to the use of tobacco. 95% of all oral cancers occur in people who are over the age of 40. The most common oral cancer sites can be found on the floor of the mouth, lips, gums and the soft palate tissues at the back of the tongue.
Oral cancer should not be taken lightly as it is just as serious as any other type of cancer but the chances of recovering from it are only good if detected early on. The consequences of not having regular treatment can be costly as it becomes harder to treat if detected later and may lead to death in severe cases. More than 8000 people die of oral cancer annually. Don’t be one of them, schedule an appointment with your family dentist for an oral cancer screening today.
- Oral Issues due to HPV Infection
Men are also more likely to suffer from the human papillomavirus, or HPV, than women and are more likely to experience oral issues that are caused by HPV infections.
- Dental Decay and Tooth Loss
Visiting your dentist every six months will help you maintain your oral health and keep your teeth in good working condition with routine cleanings and dental examinations which will help monitor your dental health and take the correct preventative measures in time.
Here are 3 oral care tips you can follow:
- Don’t skip your dental visits, ditch your bad habits and visit your family dentist at least twice a year for cleanings.
- Take good care of your teeth by regular brushing and flossing with a soft toothpaste and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Replace your toothbrush every 4 months.
- Monitor your oral health, eat healthy foods and visit your dentist regularly to monitor your dental health by your family dentist.
You can avoid all this by taking care of your oral health and the first steps towards this are by following the above tips. That’s not a lot in return for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums is it?
A dental marketer at Michael G. Long DDS, Fresno, CA and a believer in holistic health, Grace lives by the rule that health and happiness go hand in hand. She writes on various dental topics focusing on healthy living and holistic health. When she’s not working or blogging, she enjoys spending her time with her family and volunteering at the local youth centers where she educates children about the importance of health and fitness.
