Men, don’t neglect your dental health

Studies have recently identified and shown that men are more likely to ignore their oral health by 60% than women. They have higher rates of periodontal disease and trauma, as well as poor hygiene habits. This can be associated with gender and biological reasons such as higher tobacco use and immune system factors.

Good oral health = longevity!

Did you know?

Periodontal disease extends beyond just the oral cavity, it can be linked to diseases such as gum disease, diabetes, throat cancer, stroke, and dementia. This information alone is quite shocking and should encourage you to have regular dental check-ups.

Periodontal disease is a result of buildup of plaque that produces acid causing the fibres in your mouth to break down. Symptoms include: include:

Bleeding gums
Ongoing bad breath
Loose teeth
Sensitive gums

More than 8,000 people every year die from oral diseases, the majority being men, if you think that taking care of your oral health is not important, it should be now!

Men tend to play more impact sports such as football, basketball, baseball, rugby, and American Footfall. Trauma in these kinds of sports is common and this is even greater potential for your oral health to be affected. Mouth guards have been introduced in sports, but they alone do not protect your overall oral health.

How can we improve oral health?

Visit your dentist at least once every 3 months, this should be a given and pre-planned in your diary with your preferred dental clinic. Don’t skip your appointments!
Floss daily! Every time you brush your teeth, you should be flossing. Flossing helps to remove any food and plaque where the toothbrush can’t reach. Nobody wants bad breath and flossing helps to remove any bacteria.
Replace your toothbrush: Did you know that you should buy a new toothbrush every 3 months. Find which one works best for you, usually it’s a soft-medium toothbrush which works effectively but will not cause long-term damage to your gums.
Fluoride: does your toothpaste have fluoride? It should! Check that it does as this can prevent tooth decay by up to 40%
Reduce your caffeine & alcohol intake: We all know coffee and red wine contain powerful tannins which can stain and discolour your teeth. Try to reduce your intake amount and focus on regular cleaning and polishing to ensure your teeth sparkle!
Don’t rush: We all lead busy lives and brushing our teeth can be seen as an “inconvenience” therefore we rush the process. Ensure you spend at least minimum 2-3 minutes brushing your teeth, cover all bases in a circular motion and make several gentle strokes over each tooth to ensure you teeth are properly cleaned.
Rinse after meals: Not everybody carries a toothbrush with them wherever they go so after eating it is vital you rinse your mouth with water and where possible a alcohol-free mouthwash to kill and germs and bacteria that may lead to plaque build-up.
Quit smoking: Smoking is bad for your overall health but having a habit of smoking, chewing, or using tobacco products can potentially cause oral cancer. If you’re unsure on how to stop smoking or what the options are, seek advice from your general practitioner and dentist.
Don’t be afraid: People assume that the dentist’s chair is scary and painful, it’s not like that. Dentists are aware of the opinions people have and will do everything and anything to take care of your dental needs whilst making you feel comfortable. Oral health is part of your overall well-being so don’t neglect the first thing that people see- your smile!
No-one likes bad breath! Known as halitosis, bad breath can leave you feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. Professional dental cleaning helps to remove any stubborn plaque that may be trapped, trust us you’ll thank us later!