June is Men’s Health Month and believe it or not, men are at higher risk across the board for oral health problems than women. Healthy teeth and gums generally mean a healthier person. Let’s close the gap. Here are 5 things men can do to improve their oral health.
- Laugh and Smile More
Looking tough and flexing manly muscles may earn you style points at the gym or in the office, but they are not nearly as beneficial to men’s health as laughing and smiling. Studies show laughing and smiling improve the mood, cut stress, boost the immune system and lower blood pressure. Even if you are having a bad day, just smiling will make you feel better.
- Go to the Dentist!
Women are much more likely to get regular check-ups and cleanings at the dentist, than men, and the statistics show it. Women have less cavities, gum disease and other oral problems than men. In honor of Men’s Health Month, we encourage all you guys to buck this trend, swim against the current and get thee to a dentist for preventative care. This is especially a good idea for men over the age of 40, who, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, run the greatest risk for oral cancer. Did you know most oral cancers are first diagnosed by the dentist during a routine checkup?
- Protect Your Teeth, Protect Your Heart
Men are more likely to be taking medications for heart disease and high blood pressure. Could the problem be their oral hygiene? Doctors believe that may be the case. The theory is that gum disease allows unhealthy bacteria to enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels. This can cause blood clots which may lead to heart attacks. More men than women also take medications for heart disease and high blood pressure. Medications to treat those issues often cause dry mouth. Saliva protects the mouth and teeth from harmful bacteria. When it’s low, the risk for periodontal and gum disease increase.
- Check Those Fillings!
Dental fillings were never meant to last forever. If you have old fillings in your teeth, it may be time to replace them. The lifespan on fillings runs 10 to 20 years, but old fillings can break down. As they do, food and bacteria can get trapped beneath them and become a source of infection. At Artistic Dental, Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari can check older fillings and make sure they are intact or replace them, if necessary. Men’s Health Month is the perfect time to make an appointment.
- Get With it!
Maybe a lot of men avoid the dentist because they feel guilty. The American Dental Association found men brush and floss their teeth less than women do. Nobody wants to go to the dentist and confess a lack of brushing and flossing. Get with it, men! The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to brush and floss, twice a day.
At Artistic Dental, we won’t judge you, but we will show you the best technique for keeping your smile healthy. If you would like to make an appointment to speak with our staff or learn more about our dental team and the services we provide, visit our website or call (602)-840-5400.