Men’s Oral Health: Why It’s Important to Stay on Top of It
Men are often more likely to skip regular dental visits, but keeping up with your oral health is vital. Issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer are more common among men. Here’s how poor oral health can affect your overall wellness:
- Gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
- Oral infections can impact other areas of your body, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Missing teeth or painful gums can affect how you chew and digest food.
- Certain medications for other health conditions can also increase the risk of dry mouth, which leads to tooth decay.
Taking a few simple steps to care for your teeth can make a big difference in protecting your health.
Quick Tips for Healthy Teeth
Keeping your teeth in top shape doesn’t have to take a lot of time. A few simple habits can keep your smile strong:
- Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth for two minutes.
- Floss Daily
Flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Avoid Smoking
Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Limit Sugary Snacks And Beverages
Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities.
- See Your Dentist
Visiting your dentist in Ann Arbor every six months for a checkup can prevent minor problems from turning into major issues.
Facial Hair and Oral Health
If you’re participating in No Shave November, it’s important to know that facial hair can affect your oral hygiene. While your beard or mustache doesn’t directly harm your teeth, it can trap food particles, oil, and bacteria near your mouth, leading to potential problems like:
- Bad breath
- Skin irritation
- Dry mouth
To prevent these issues, make sure you:
- Wash your beard or mustache daily
- Trim facial hair regularly
- Drink plenty of water
Dental Services Available at Our Ann Arbor Dental Office
At our Ann Arbor dental office, we offer a range of services to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Whether you’re due for a checkup or need treatment, we’ve got you covered with:
- Comprehensive Cleanings & Exams: Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, and exams help catch any potential problems early on.
- Gum Disease Treatment: If you’re noticing signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, your dentist can help manage and treat it before it worsens.
- Cavity Fillings: Got a cavity? No problem! We can fill it and restore your tooth.
- Oral Cancer Screenings: Since men are at a higher risk for oral cancer, regular screenings can detect issues early.
- Cosmetic Dentistry: Want to improve your smile? We offer teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments to keep your teeth looking their best.
Movember is a great time to raise awareness about health issues that affect men – and that includes oral health. By following a good dental routine and scheduling regular visits to your dentist, you can keep your smile healthy and strong all year long.
We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
