“Good oral health has been linked to longevity, yet one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male.”

Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health. They often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises. The average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72! Men are also more likely than women to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease.

In a previous blog, we discussed dental issues pertaining specifically to women. It’s only fair that we give men their moment in the spotlight! There are a number of dental issues that commonly affect men; many of them are linked to lifestyle or other general health issues. Here are our top three:

1. Tobacco use: Smoking and Chewing Tobacco’s affect on Dental Health
   
   If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have an increased risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women. 95% of oral cancers occur in those aged 40 years and over. Over 8,000 people die per year from oral and pharyngeal diseases. If you use tobacco, it’s important to see a dentist frequently for cleanings and to ensure your mouth remains healthy. Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer and can help with tobacco cessation.


2. Sports: Protecting your Teeth
   
   Studies consistently show that an active lifestyle is one of the most important factors to leading a long, healthy life. If you regularly play a sport or frequently participate in athletic activity, you have already made one of the best investments possible to your overall health. Now it’s time to consider the risks associated with sports, and the importance of proper gear. From the dental perspective, the easy answer is a mouth guard-a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth from trauma. If you played high school or college sports, you may be familiar with mouthpieces. Unfortunately, most adults don’t practice the same safety measures as high school sports teams, and therefore are at greater risk for trauma to the mouth and teeth. If you participate in any activity with the potential for face injury, you should be using a mouth guard to avoid painful, unattractive and potentially costly dental damage.


3. Medications: Medicines Prescribed for Other Health Issues May Adversely Affect Dental Health
   
   Men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, and are frequently prescribed medications that cause dry mouth. Heart and blood pressure medicines, as well as antidepressants can inhibit your salivary flow. What’s the big deal? Dry mouth increases your risk of cavities, as bacteria in your mouth can flourish. The solution: visit your dentist regularly, and make sure that you tell your dentist of any medications that you are taking. With the right information, your dentist will be able to address your dental needs more accurately.

Men also make up a large part of the growing number of cosmetic dentistry patients. Along with a healthy physique, men are finding that a fantastic smile can be a picture of health in itself. With many relatively inexpensive procedures available, it’s worth investigating while at your next visit, or online at: www.prestondentalcenter.com