Oral health is a critical part of overall health. The mouth is the gateway to the body, and the condition of your teeth, gums, and tongue can impact your overall well-being.

According to the American Dental Association, men are less likely than women to visit Coquitlam dentist regularly for preventive care, with only one-third of men visiting their dentist at least once a year. Oral health issues in men affect more than just their mouths. Many mouth conditions can lead to serious medical problems if left untreated. Here are some oral health issues men need to be cautious of:

Five Important Oral Health Concerns for Men

Men are not immune to oral health problems. Men have unique needs when it comes to oral care. Here are six important oral health concerns for men:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the most common reason for gum disease and tooth decay. Men tend to neglect oral hygiene because they think that “it’s just a woman thing” or they are too busy with work, sports, and other activities to care about their teeth. However, men can still maintain good oral health by brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing once a day, and scheduling regular dental checkups.

Less Frequent Checkups

Men tend to put off visiting their dentist until an emergency, such as a toothache or abscessed tooth. This may cause serious complications that could have been avoided if they had visited their dentist earlier. It is important for men to schedule regular checkups with their dentist at least once every six months so that any problems can be addressed before they become major issues.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are one of the men’s most common reasons for oral pain and tooth loss. Football and hockey are the most likely to result in a broken jaw or nose, but any contact sport can cause teeth fractures. A tooth that has been knocked out of place will often be able to be saved by placing it back in its socket within half an hour after the accident. If it is not placed within this period, there is a risk that the root canal will be damaged by bacteria or decay, which would mean that the tooth will have to be removed. This is especially true if there is blood on the tooth that has been out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use can lead to various oral diseases, such as periodontal disease and oral cancer, and other problems with your gums and teeth, such as cavities or receding gums. Tobacco use also increases your heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer risk. Please note that smoking cessation programs are available at all dental offices, so please talk with us if you want help quitting tobacco use!

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common problem in men with more testosterone than women. This hormone can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production, which helps keep your mouth healthy by breaking down food particles and neutralizing bacteria. If you notice that you’re drinking more fluids or chewing gum frequently to relieve dry mouth, talk to your dentist about ways to manage this condition, such as using artificial saliva products or taking over-the-counter medications.

What are the two most common dental diseases?

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the two most common dental diseases. In most cases, they are preventable and treatable.

Dental caries is a condition that results from the breakdown of the hard tooth structure (enamel, dentin, and cementum) by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria form acid from sugar, starch foods, and plaque on the teeth. The acid softens enamel, causing it to break down. Eventually, this causes cavities (holes) to form in teeth.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums around your teeth that causes them to loosen and separate from your teeth. The infection damages gum tissue and bone supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss if not treated early enough or completely.

Conclusion

Overall, it shouldn’t be hard to see how these simple steps can make an enormous difference in oral health. Brush daily and use interdental cleaners regularly. And the next time you have a dental checkup, let your dentist know about any teeth that are especially sensitive to cold or hot drinks. You might just be surprised to learn that you’re at risk for even more issues than you realized.

By Manali