Have you noticed the number of new mustaches and beards emerging
during November? It may be men supporting the Movember movement.
Men across the country are taking action by signing up
and shaving down their face on November 1 and growing a mustache for the
month, and it’s
all in support of men’s health.
In
the spirit of Movember, DentaQuest is bringing attention to ways men can support their own
health by cultivating a healthy mouth.
Good
oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important for everyone.
Surveys show that men often neglect their teeth and gums for years and are less
likely than women to seek preventive care when they should. In fact, one of the
most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being a
guy.
Here
are 6 ways men’s mouths can stay out of trouble this month:
1. Regular dental checkups
According
to research published in the Journal of Periodontology, women are almost
twice as likely as men to have had a regular dental checkup in the past
year. Did you know that dental diseases (cavities and gum disease) are preventable?
2. Take care of
your teeth and gums every day
According
to the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, the
average man is less likely to brush his teeth twice a day (49% compared with
56.8% of women), and more likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease.
New research is showing that not taking care
of gum disease may put you at greater risk for other chronic diseases like
heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Gum disease can be managed
with daily brushing and flossing, and routine visits to a dental health professional.
Men who develop gum disease may be advised to consult with a periodontist, the
dentist specially trained in the prevention and treatment of periodontal
disease for a treatment plan to manage the disease.
3. Monitor you cardiovascular health
Medications
(for heart disease, blood pressure or antidepressants) can slow the flow of
saliva, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is important; it helps clean
bacteria and food particles from your teeth. Having a dry mouth increases your
risk for cavities and gum disease. And, gum disease puts you at greater risk
for complications of other diseases (see #2 above). Your dentist can help you
with options for dry mouth.
4. Eliminate tobacco use
If
you smoke or chew tobacco, you have a greater risk for periodontal disease and
oral cancer (electronic cigarette use is
just as dangerous for the mouth as regular cigarettes). Men are affected twice
as often as women. The most frequent sites for oral cancer are the tongue, the
floor of the mouth and soft palate (‘roof’ of the mouth).
You
want to catch and treat any and all cancerous spots in the early stages. Today,
dentists check your mouth for oral cancers at every dental visit. If you
do use tobacco, watch for changes in your mouth and call your dentist or doctor
if you see something that is out of the ordinary. Be sure to see your dentist
regularly for oral cancer screenings.
5. Be cautious when participating in
athletics
Serious
athletes and weekend warriors who play contact sports like football, soccer and
basketball have a greater potential for trauma to the mouth and teeth. If you
ride bicycles or motorcycles, wear a helmet. Athletes AND weekend warriors
should also be sure to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth from
unnecessary mouth injuries. Your dentist can help you pick the best mouth guard
for your lifestyle.
6.
And, do this every day for a healthy smile:
- Brush twice daily (for two minutes each time) using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Reach every surface of the tooth, even the ones way in the back, and gently clean between the teeth and the gums.
- When the bristles on your brush are frayed, buy a new one (every 3 months).
- Floss daily, it is much more important than you think.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Avoid opening things with your teeth.
This
is all worth the effort. Good oral health has been linked with longevity, and
life is better with teeth. Happy
Movember!
Image via http://www.wehatecleaning.co.uk