Men’s Oral Health Awareness Month
June is National Men’s Health Month. Oral and dental health is important for men and women alike, but there are differences between them that can put one or the other at a higher risk for certain issues like cavities, gum disease, and other common dental problems. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, men are more likely to neglect oral health issues that they’re experiencing, which makes them more likely to suffer from these difficult occurrences.
Taking the First Leap and Going to the Dentist
It can seem inconvenient or simply unnecessary to go to the dentist, which will stop patients of all ages from visiting a dentist for months, maybe even years at a time. Unfortunately, skipping this crucial step to your health will result in furthering any problems that you may not currently know about.
Many oral and dental health issues aren’t noticeable to the naked eye, which is why you always have x-rays completed during your routine visits. If there’s something underneath the line of sight that you can’t recognize, the problem will only get worse and can cause pain, infection, and potential tooth loss. While these appointments are typically harmless, it can be nerve-wracking to take this step – many patients haven’t gone to the dentist in a very long time and they would rather avoid unwelcome news if they can, even though it won’t solve any problems.
Gum Disease Strikes before You Know It
One of the most common and preventable diseases that people of all ages face is periodontitis, also known as gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly 56% of men have gum disease compared to only 38% of women. While regular dental appointments can help protect teeth against decay and the need for fillings or more advanced restorative dentistry such as root canals or crowns, they can also diagnose gum disease and oral cancer early when treatment is less invasive and more successful.
How often should I visit a dentist?
Regardless of gender, it is important to visit a dentist twice a year. In between visits, floss daily and brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste. For more information on men’s oral health and other oral health topics, call our office today to schedule an appointment.
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