Men, Pay Attention: Your Dental Health Matters Too!

Oral health should be an important concern for every American, especially when you consider how truly fortunate we all are to live in a country where dental science is as advanced as any place on the planet. Despite those advantages, statistics seem to indicate that American men remain particularly resistant to seeking out the dental care they need. Even basic care is neglected – with many men avoiding simple oral hygiene and trips to the dentist until serious problems develop. It’s well past time that American men understood that their dental health matters.

Statistics from the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry paint a sad picture of male dental health in the United States. Only slightly more than one-fifth of all adult males brush their teeth after their meals. Fewer than half adhere to recommendations to brush twice a day. And men have higher incidences of gum disease too – a fact that remains consistent across many different age groups. American men are ignoring their dental health and placing themselves at risk of not only dental problems, but serious health problems as well.

Risk Factors

All men should take oral health seriously, but there are some who may be at even higher risk of dental complications. For example, men who use tobacco or who take frequent medications are definitely at increased risk of suffering from a variety of oral issues. Oral cancer is an ever-present threat for those who smoke or chew tobacco. Men suffering from conditions that require medication can often experience a decrease in saliva that can leave them vulnerable to dry mouth that can result in increased incidences of tooth decay and other serious dental problems.

Obviously, no one wants to suffer damage to the teeth and gums. Fortunately, there are some things that all men can do to protect their oral health and avoid many common oral health issues:

• Commit to a brushing routine that involves 2-3 minutes of brushing no fewer than two times each day.
• Use a brush with soft bristles, and learn to use it properly.
• Always use fluoride toothpaste. It really does reduce the risk of decay!
• Don’t keep the same toothbrush for too long. As a general rule, they should be replaced at regular intervals four times a year.
• No, seriously – floss! If you don’t know how, have your dental hygienist show you, and then do it once a day.
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a routine screening, and then show up. You should be seeing a dentist at least once during any twelve-month period, and possibly even more frequently if there is specific treatment that needs to be done.

At Ebenezer Dental, we encourage everyone to follow all oral hygiene recommendations and get the regular screenings, cleanings, and other professional care they need. Regardless of gender, all American adults need to make sure that they protect and preserve their teeth and gums so that they can enjoy the best possible health at every stage in their lives. To find out more about how the best dentist in midtown Manhattan can help you protect your dental health, give us a call today.