Let’s face it – few men are gung-ho to see the dentist. You never know what they may find; if they do find something, it’s usually not good. Dental appointments may be last on our list of things to do but we need to think differently. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an investment in your health you will need and use for the rest of your life. Want to be able to eat properly and show off a beautiful smile? Want to avoid unnecessary mouth or gum pain or bad breath? Keep those dental appointments – they come in handy for preventing or treating conditions that can cause many issues with a part of our body we depend on daily.
Why men need regular dental checkups
When men fail to prioritize oral hygiene, they will eventually have to go to a dentist and it won’t be for just a checkup. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to avoid a range of dental and medical issues, including gum disease, infections, bone loss, heart disease, strokes, and more. Regular checkups and cleanings are vital for unlocking a lifetime of healthy and radiant smiles.
Here are eight reasons why regular dental visits throughout a man’s entire life can keep them smiling from ear to ear:
To have a dental hygienist deep clean the teeth
The majority of a visit to the dentist is often spent with a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are a key player in the dental team. They are responsible for cleaning teeth, examining for oral diseases, and providing preventative dental care while educating patients on oral health.
To get an oral cancer screening
A dentist visit will also involve the dentist and hygienist screening the mouth for any signs of oral cancer. Orals cancers can occur in the mouth, lips or throat and can be highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Visiting a dentist regularly and avoiding chewing tobacco are key factors in preventing oral cancers.
To identify gum disease
Gum disease is a common and is responsible for a significant number of tooth loss cases among adults. Daily oral hygiene habits and visiting the dentist twice a year are vital for preventing gum disease.Additionally, it has been linked to heart disease and strokes. th The first stage of gum disease is treatable and reversible gingivitis. But, if gingivitis is untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which may result in bone loss. To avoid gum disease, it is recommended to undergo regular dental check-ups and receive reminders to brush and floss twice a day.
To prevent major oral issues in the future
Making dental visits a priority can prevent future dental problems that will come up. If we maintain good oral health, regular checkups and cleanings are one of the most important things we can do. Regular dental check-ups can prevent various dental conditions, such as cavities, root canals, gum disease, and oral cancer. An ounce of prevention is worth much more than trying to fix a major and expensive dental problem.
To diagnose bad breath
Occasional bad breath is often due to food choices or not having recently brushed the teeth. But when bad breath is persistent, a dental problem could be causing it. Discuss the issue of bad breath with the dentist who can advise you on how to get it under control.
To achieve a white and bright smile
If your teeth are showing the signs of your lifestyle of staining from drinking coffee, tea or tobacco, the dentist can make suggestions on how to get your pearly whites back. Regular cleanings with a dental hygienist who will polish your teeth to a magnificent shine making you want to smile again. Or, if necessary, they can suggest or recommend professional whitening methods that will bring back your teeth’s brilliance.
To keep the teeth you already have
As a child, losing a tooth was exciting as the tooth fairy would pay a visit. But as an adult, tooth loss is not a pretty sight. The American College of Prosthodontists reports that 178 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. Regular preventative care appointments and practicing proper dental hygiene can help reduce your risk for tooth loss.
As a reminder to change your toothbrush often
One of the nice things about having regular dental visits is what they give you at the end – a new toothbrush. How many of us remember to change our toothbrush every 3 months? After approximately three months of use, manual toothbrushes become worn out and lose their effectiveness. Anyone with gum disease should change their toothbrush more frequently or every 4-6 weeks since bacteria can harbor in the bristles. Make sure to rinse your toothbrush with hot water after every use and to change it if you’ve been sick.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
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