Men are more likely to experience dental health problems than women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are 50 percent more likely to have untreated cavities and twice as likely to have gum disease. Additionally, men are more likely to suffer from dental erosion, which is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acids.
There are several reasons for these disparities. One is that men are less likely to seek dental care than women. Men also may be less likely to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing their teeth regularly. Additionally, many men consume too much sugar and acidic foods, which can lead to dental problems.
Men must take care of their oral health, as poor dental health can lead to several other health problems. Therefore, men must see a dentist regularly for preventive care and to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. Here are a few tips for doing it.
Stop Smoking
When it comes to the ratio for smoking, men double women. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in men and is a significant risk factor for developing gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy the bone around your teeth and lead to tooth loss.
In addition, smoking increases your risk of developing oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, men are twice as likely as women to develop this disease.
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your dental health. Many resources are available to help you quit smoking, so talk to your doctor about what might work best for you. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to quit smoking, but it’s worth it for your health.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat affects your dental health. Eating many sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth and lead to cavities. To help prevent cavities, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These foods contain fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel.
In addition, avoid sticky foods, such as candy or dried fruit, as they can stick to your teeth and contribute to cavities. And limit how often you have sugary drinks, such as soda or sports drinks. If you have sugary drinks, drink them with a meal instead of alone so that saliva can help protect your teeth.
However, it can be challenging to eat a healthy diet if you don’t have access to healthy food options. If this is the case, talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to get the nutrients you need for good dental health.
Brush and Floss Regularly
It would help if you brushed your teeth at least twice a day and flossed at least once daily. Brushing removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and causes cavities. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. And be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the inside surfaces of your back teeth.
Flossing helps remove plaque between your teeth and under your gumline, which your toothbrush can’t reach. Use about 18 inches of floss when you floss and wind it around your middle fingers. Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums.
If you find it difficult to floss, other options, such as interdental cleaners, can help clean your teeth. Talk to your dentist about which choice is right for you.
Avoid Tolerating Pain
Dental pain is a sign that something is wrong and needs to get addressed. If you have a toothache, see your dentist right away. Please don’t wait for the pain to go away on its own. Additionally, if you have any other dental pain, such as sensitivity to hot or cold foods, see your dentist find out what’s causing it.
Impacted wisdom teeth are another common source of dental pain. Wisdom teeth are the third molars in the back of your mouth and sometimes don’t have enough room to come in correctly. It can cause them to become impacted or stuck under the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can damage other teeth and lead to infection. Fortunately, you can get wisdom teeth removal services immediately with a quick visit to the dentist.
See Your Dentist Regularly
You should see your dentist at least once a year for a routine exam and cleaning. Your dentist will check for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during the exam, clean your teeth, and remove plaque and tartar.
If you have a history of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer, you may need to see your dentist more often. Your dentist also may recommend more frequent visits if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Be sure to tell your dentist about changes in your mouth, such as sores, red or white patches, or persistent bad breath. These could be signs of oral cancer or other problems.
Dental insurance typically covers the cost of routine dental exams and cleanings. If you don’t have dental insurance, talk to your dentist about payment options. Also, look into dental savings plans, which can save you money on dental care.
Final Thoughts
Dental health is essential for overall health, but it often gets overlooked. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to maintain good dental health, such as brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and seeing your dentist regularly. By taking these steps, you can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
