Some people think that men take less care of themselves than women, and there are varying reasons for that. The most common cause is that men are taught less about taking care of themselves throughout their developmental years, which often leads to poor health practices in adulthood.
The other reason is that men tend to believe that they are invincible, and when there is a health problem, they will wait for it to go away before seeking treatment. Moreover, they resort to drastic measures like emergency dental services.
Whatever the cause might be, some men are not taking care of themselves–or at least not as well as they should. Oral health is no exception. Here are some examples of bad oral health practices that some men are guilty of:
- Insufficient brushing and flossing
- Brushing or flossing too aggressively
- Not seeking preventive dentistry
- Smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol
- Ignoring dental problems until they get worse
Why should you start taking better care of your oral health?
The risk of developing dental problems should already be enough to spur you into action. But if it’s not enough, let’s talk about the possible effects of poor oral care in detail:
1. Erectile dysfunction
Yes, you read that right. Poor oral health can lead to erectile dysfunction.
When you neglect oral hygiene and preventative care, you put yourself at risk of developing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a known risk factor for other conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction, due to the periodontal pathogen and exposure to infection-induced inflammation. Erectile dysfunction opens up a whole new world of problems, both physical and mental.
2. Social and relationship issues
Oral health can also affect your social life and relationships. If you have unpleasant-looking teeth or perpetual bad breath, it can negatively impact social activities at school, work, or in your personal life–whether it’s other people avoiding you or you avoiding them because of low self-esteem.
Moreover, poor oral health can give off the impression that you don’t take good care of yourself, regardless if it is true or not. As a result, you might have trouble creating and maintaining good relationships with co-workers, friends, and romantic partners.
3. Severe dental problems
The less you take care of your oral health, the more severe are the problems that can arise. For men who don’t prioritize good oral hygiene and preventative treatment, they are more susceptible to developing severe cases of gum disease, dry mouth, tooth loss, dental caries, halitosis, and more.
How can you start improving your oral health
Making an effort to take care of your oral health is way better than having to suffer through dental problems later on. To start taking better care of your teeth and gums, here are the best ways to start:
- Brush your teeth more frequently, ideally after every meal
- Don’t forget to floss and do it properly
- Go to the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning
- Replace your toothbrush every three months
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine
- Use a toothpaste with fluoride
- Drink more water
Neglecting oral health can bring about severe dental problems sooner or later. Don’t take the risk. If you know you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums, it’s not too late to start now.
