Men’s Health Week (June 12-18) is a week of preventative health awareness for men that takes place just before Father’s Day. Father’s Day is a wonderful time to celebrate the dads in your life who work so hard to provide for their families. However, you probably know some men who are so good at taking care of everyone else they can forget to take care of themselves. This year, it’d be a good idea to remind the guys in your life that they also need to be protecting their own health – especially their teeth! Let’s celebrate by learning more about why men are less likely to seek preventive dental care and more likely to neglect their oral health - and what they can do to ensure a healthy smile!
Brushing and Flossing aren’t a Priority
One major difference between men and women’s oral health is that men have a tendency to be less diligent in taking care of their smiles than women — up to 20 percent less likely to brush twice a day, and less likely to change their toothbrushes regularly. Poor dental hygiene habits can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Luckily, this is one of the easiest lifestyle changes to make - just take the time every morning and evening to brush! Flossing once a day, and using an anti-cavity mouthwash is important too. Not to mention, modeling good oral hygiene behaviors can improve your children’s behavior as well.
Men are at Higher Risk for Oral Disease
Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women, and the risk rises with age. Males over the age of 40 are more prone to oral cancer than any other demographic. The most commonly affected area of the mouth where oral cancer develops is the lips, gums, tongue, and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer spreads quickly and can cause chronic pain, loss of function, facial disfiguration, and even death.
Men Engage in Riskier Behaviors
On average, men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drinking, smoking, and chewing tobacco than women, putting them at greater risk of periodontitis (advanced gum disease), tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Alcoholic drinks like white wine, beer and cider can all be very acidic. The acid in these drinks can lead to dental erosion - a breakdown of the top layer of your teeth. It can be very painful and lead to increased sensitivity. Drinking in excess can also lead to an increased risk of mouth cancer.
Avoiding these harmful substances will go a long way to protecting your teeth and gums. We recommend drinking less and not smoking or chewing tobacco at all. Men who continue to use tobacco products should make sure they are seeing a dentist regularly to perform oral cancer screenings.
Men Are More at Risk of Dry Mouth
Men are more prone to high blood pressure and heart disease than women, which means they are more likely to take medications to manage these conditions. A common side effect of many of these medications is dry mouth, which can seriously impact oral health. Saliva washes away bacteria and food particles and keeps the pH in mouths neutral. Less saliva means a greater chance of cavities, gum disease, and halitosis.
Manly Men Skip the Dentist
Men, much more than women, tend to neglect scheduling regular dental exams, as well as seek treatment for their symptoms . Even if they suspect there is an issue, many men have a “Superman Syndrome” that makes them feel like they are invincible. However, dental problems don’t just go away by themselves. Everyone should be scheduling twice-yearly dental exams even if you aren't having issues, and seeking treatment when issues do occur. When it comes to dental health, the earlier you address problems, the easier (and cheaper) they are to solve!
Men use their Teeth as Tools
our teeth have one sole purpose: chewing food. We should not use our teeth as a substitute for bottle openers, pliers or scissors, no matter how tempting it may be. Tearing open packages, biting things other than food, and using your teeth to open bottles are some of the most dangerous things you can do to your teeth. It can easily lead to cracked or missing teeth, and you’re also risking having your tooth enamel scraped away by the metal or plastic top. This is especially true if your teeth and gums are already weakened by gum disease!
When managing their oral health, men should be wary of getting into a “tough guy” mindset. There’s nothing manly in ignoring necessary treatment for cavities or gum disease, or in skipping brushing and flossing. Making sure to schedule regular dental appointments will keep teeth strong and healthy, and there’s nothing more manly than that! Schedule your appointment with Dr. Jim Peck at Smile New Braunfels today!
