Men’s health week is June 15-21, 2020. During this week we stress the importance of prevention and early detection of diseases that affect our American men’s oral health. Our Cherry Creek office in Glendale, CO is no different.
To do our part, Mountainview Periodontics & Dental Implants, PC is dedicating this blog to educating our patients and community on the unique dental issues that often apply to the male population. For more useful Men’s Health Week Tips, you can also visit Facebook for our Parker and Glendale locations.
The Dangers of Skipping Dental Checkup
It’s typically recommended that everyone visits their dentist at least twice a year for proper preventive care and dental hygiene cleaning. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control, only 60% of American men between the ages of 18 and 64 went to the dentist in the past year. Skipping regular visits to your dentist in Glendale can allow problems to go untreated and lead to bigger, more complicated (and often more expensive) treatment. We understand. Often, men feel like they can manage any tooth pain or they feel they are too busy to see the dentist. Remember, Men’s Health Week is about early detection. That is why it is important to go to your regular checkups. In fact, the Academy of General Dentistry states that it’s all too common for men, in particular, to only go to the dentist when they’re experiencing a problem. Most likely, these problems could have been prevented by keeping bi-annual dental appointments.
Greater Risk of Gum Disease & Oral Cancer
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. This is especially important for men since they’re at increased risk for both gum disease and oral cancer. The truth is, oral cancer is twice as common in men than women and, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, 56% of men have gum disease as compared to only 38% of women.
Gum Disease & Men’s Health
Gum disease can be quite scary and is a silent killer. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as prostate health in men through something called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These PSA levels have a chance to increase when your gums are inflamed or even if your prostate is already unhealthy. However, when the two are combined and are both present, the PSA levels are substantially higher. That is why early detection of gum disease can decrease your chance of heart disease and prostate cancer.
Dry Mouth is More Common
Dry mouth is something that may sound like nothing to worry about, however, it can cause oral health issues. In a healthy mouth, there is an abundance of saliva production that helps neutralize acids and wash away harmful bacteria. However, someone who suffers from dry mouth doesn’t have the same benefits. When left untreated, the enamel on your teeth can erode due to these acids which leads to decay and increased bacteria in your mouth. 21% of men are likely to have a dry mouth. That is why it is important to stay hydrated and go to your regular dental visits.
This month is important because it is Oral Health Month as well as Men’s Health Week. Dr. Maryanne Butler and Dr. Amy Riffel take pride in everyone’s overall health. Whether you’re a man who may have been skipping dental visits, or you’re a woman who has men in your life you care about, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Mountainview Periodontics in our Parker office or Periodontics of Cherry Creek office in Glendale today.
