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Men's
Oral Health
Men of all ages are more
likely than women to have more periodontal
disease. A recent survey found that:
 | 34 % of males aged 30-54 had gum disease, compared
to 23 % of females. |
| 56% of males aged 55 to 90 have gum disease
compared to 44% of females. |
| More than 1/3 of men have not had a dental checkup
in the past year. |
| Men only brush their teeth 1.9 times per day. |
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Periodontal
Disease and Men
Periodontal
disease or gum disease is a result of plaque which hardens into a
rough, porous substance called tartar. The toxins produced
and release by bacteria found in tartar irritate gums. These toxins
cause the breakdown of fibers that anchor the gum tightly to the teeth,
creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and
bacteria.
This disease may
result in more serious health consequences such as diabetes. So you
need to see your dentist if you have:
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Bleeding gum during brushing |
|
Red, swollen or tender gums |
|
Persistent bad breath |
|
Loose or separating teeth |
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Medications
Men are more likely to
be on medications for their heart
and also on medication that can cause dry
mouth. If you take medications for the heart, blood pressure or
anti-depressants your salivary flow could be inhibited increasing your
risk for dental cavities.
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Tobacco Use
If you smoke
or chew you have a GREATER risk for
gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often
as women and 90% of oral cancers occur in those over 45 years of
age. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral
cancer can spread causing chronic pain, loss of function,
disfigurement and even death.
If you use tobacco it is
important to see your dentists for frequently cleanings and gum tissue exams
to ensure your mouth remains health and to receive a thorough screening
for oral cancer.
Men,
Smoking and Oral Health
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Sports and Men
If you participate
in sports you have a greater potential for oral and dental trauma to your
teeth. If you play contact sports such as football, soccer,
basketball and even baseball is is important to use a mouthguard
that is worn in athletic and recreational activites to protect your teeth
from trauma.
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Taking
Care of Men's Teeth
To take
better care of our oral health needs it is important to:
|
Brush your teeth twice a day. |
|
Floss daily. |
|
Visit your dentist at least twice a
year for exams and cleanings. |
|
Use a soft bristled toothbrush with
bristles that are not frayed |
|
Buy a new toothbrush every 3 months or
after you have been sick. |
|
Using toothpaste with fluoride can
reduce your tooth decay by as much as 40%. |
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Diet Changes Because of Tooth Loss
Could Lead to Heart Risk
Changes in diet because of tooth loss
could increase the risk of developing chronic ailments, including
cardiovascular disease, according to a study in this month's Journal
of the American Dental Association (JADA). In the study, researchers
assessed the relationship between tooth loss and changes in diet over an
eight-year period among 31,813 male health professionals. They focused
on consumption of specific foods and nutrients associated with
cardiovascular and other systemic diseases. The results of this
study support the detrimental impact of tooth loss on dietary intake.
Results suggest that changes in diet owing to tooth loss could
contribute to an increased risk of chronic disease that has been
associated with poor dentition. According to the study, the
dietary change of men who lost five or more teeth was unhealthier than
that of men who lost no teeth. www.rdh.net
10/03
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Harvard Medical School researchers studied longevity
and found one of the most important contributing factors was daily flossing.
Because it removes bacteria from the teeth and gums, flossing helps to
prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Another study found that men
with periodontitis had a whopping 72% greater risk of developing
coronary disease. Gingivitis was associated with a 42% increased
risk for men. Nov 02
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Looking
for a Better Job? Start by Visiting Your Dentist Visiting
your dentist can help to improve your
smile and a great smile has a
lot of value in the business world. Most men worked for one
or two employers throughout a lifetime and many did not think about the
way their overall appearance affected their professional life. That
is not the reality today with lay-offs and company closing across the
board middle aged men are now competing for jobs with younger men, making appearance
a heightened factor in their lives. Also
overall health greatly benefits
by seeing your dentist twice a year. Proper maintenance and
bi-annual checkups are the key to improving the way one looks and feels.
**
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Top
Tips for Men to Visit their Dentist:
|
Detection of Periodontal
Disease, 34 percent of males ages 30-54 and 56 percent of
males ages 55 to 90 have |
|
Detection of Oral
Cancer, men are affected twice as often as women by oral
cancer |
|
Detection of Dry
Mouth, since men are more likely
to suffer from heart attacks, they also are more likely to be on
medication that can cause dry mouth. If you take medication for
the heart or blood pressure, or anti-depressants your salivary flow
could be inhibited, increasing the your risk for dental caries and
causing difficulty in tasting, chewing and swallowing.** |
Source: DentalNotes, Oct 2001 pg 26.
DentalNotes
Winter 2001 pg 4
Chew On This-Dental Tips for Hunters
and Fishermen
February 06, 2008
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