4 Oral Health Issues Men Need to Be Aware Of | Solstice

You exercise, eat right, and care for your body – but what about your oral health? It's said that men tend to take care of their teeth less than women do. Neglecting your oral health can lead to serious issues. So, men need to be aware of their oral health and the potential consequences of not caring for their teeth. In order to raise awareness, here are four oral health issues men should be mindful of and tips on how to prevent them.

Key Takeaways:

• Men need to be aware of their oral health and the potential consequences of not caring for their teeth
• Oral health and overall health are closely linked
• Four critical oral health issues to be mindful of: cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, and oral cancer
• Men can prevent and combat these oral health issues through: regular dental cleanings, daily oral hygiene, balanced diet, monitoring sugar intake, and avoiding smoking
  
  

Cavities

Tooth pain may be a sign that you have a cavity. However, it's not the only sign. Other common signs to look out for are tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, or an infection. The symptoms of a cavity include:

• A toothache
• Pain when eating or drinking.
• A hole or pit in your tooth you can see.
• A stain that is brown, black, or white
• Pain when you bite down.

Dry Mouth 

A dry mouth occurs when saliva production decreases, making it difficult to swallow and speak. Other symptoms include frequent thirst, dry feeling on the tongue and throat, cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth and on your tongue, difficulty tasting foods, and bad breath, also known as halitosis.

Ways to combat this oral health issue are:

• Follow a low-sugar diet.
• Stay hydrated.
• Consider medication.
• Chew sugar-free gum
• Invest in mouthwash.
• Purchase a warm-air vaporizer to keep moisture in the air.

Gum Disease

Did you know that a significant 34 percent of men from ages 30 to 54 years old will suffer from gum or periodontal disease in their lifetime? This is a common issue among men, and it's crucial to be proactive in preventing it. Gum disease is when your gum tissue is swollen, bleeding, and inflamed because of poor brushing habits and plaque buildup. This can result in tooth decay and gum tissue loss. If left untreated, it can lead to a more severe infection. Fortunately, there's a cure for gum disease, and it can be treated by going to the dentist's office and taking proactive steps at home, like the following:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water after heavy snacks and meals as sugars and starches stick to your gums and hide in hard-to-reach places.
• Rinse with mouthwash or salt water to push out hidden food particles.
• Consider a water flosser to achieve that "after the dental office" clean feeling.
• Use a toothbrush with the appropriate bristle texture so you don't damage your gum lining.
• Replace your toothbrush to prevent germs from entering your mouth, and throw away brushes with bent bristles as they erode tooth enamel.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancers comprise about three percent of all cancers in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health and Cancer, over 53,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year. Over 70% of those cases are men. Early diagnosis is critical with this disease, and here are a few common signs of oral cancer:

• A sore that doesn't heal
• A lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth
• A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Tongue pain
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Difficult or painful chewing and swallowing
• Sore throat
• Feeling like something is caught in your throat

If you experience any of these symptoms for over two weeks, consult your doctor and dentist.

Not all men will experience every one of these oral health issues. But it's important to remember that men can be at higher risk and that there are steps you can take to prevent them. Some of those ways include:

• Seeing your dentist for regular dental cleanings and exams every six months
• Brushing your teeth and flossing at least twice a day
• Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables in addition to protein.
• Monitor your sugar intake, which provides for soda and energy drinks.
• Avoid smoking

Taking care of your oral health is just as important as taking care of your body. Your oral and overall health are linked, so make sure to prioritize your oral health. Being on top of your oral health means having all the tools you need for a healthy smile.

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