#18 JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH MONTH – 60% OF MEN HAVEN’T BEEN TO DENTIST IN A YEAR!

Every year during the month of June, healthcare providers across the nation promote the importance of prevention and early detection of diseases that affect American men.   According to the CDC, 60% of American men between the age of 18-64 have not been to their dentist within the last year.  In fact, the Academy of General Dentistry says that most men only go to the dentist when they are experiencing a problem.  In my mind this is like changing the oil in your car.  Since I’m a man, I would think that most men could relate to that???  If you don’t change your oil regularly then you will need a new engine and that hurts the pocket book.  The same thing is true for the mouth!  If you don’t get a regular checkup then you are asking for root canals and gum infections etc. that are a lot more expensive.  Gum infections can lead to other health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer and prostate problems

Men are at Greater Risk of Gum Disease & Oral Cancer

We all know dental appointments can help protect teeth against decay, gum disease and infections, they can also detect early 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. Research says that 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

Even though oral cancer is certainly scary and serious, gum disease can be quite scary, too. Gum disease can contribute to a host of other problems throughout the body and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers, as well as prostate health in men. Studies have shown that there is a possible correlation between gum health and prostate health due to something called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). When gums are inflamed because of periodontal disease or the prostate is unhealthy, PSA levels increase. However, PSA levels are substantially higher in those with both a prostate condition as well as gum disease suggesting a connection between the two.

Dry Mouth is More Common, Too

In our office, dry mouth has become an epidemic. In a healthy mouth, there’s is an abundance of saliva production that helps provide nutrients for teeth and gums, neutralize acids and wash away harmful bacteria. But someone who suffers from dry mouth doesn’t have the same benefits. This leaves teeth exposed to enamel-eroding acid and decay-causing bacteria.   Most of our patients with dry mouth end up with severe decay and or gum disease.

SUMMARY- In my opinion, just like changing oil in your car, it is crucial that everyone, including men come in for a cleaning and check up at least twice a year.   Meantime,we can all  eat a little healthier and if we eat foods that help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, what do we have to lose? THE PALEO DIET has been an awesome improvement in oral health and in many cases systemic health so I follow it religiously.  If I can help you with anything, please let me know.

“THE MOUTH IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH”.  BRUSH AND FLOSS TWICE DAILY, AVOID SUGAR FOR 2020 AND SEE YOUR DENTIST AND PHYSICIAN ON A REGULAR BASIS.  I think it is safer to go to the dentist than it is to go the grocery store or any of the big stores.

Dr. Spiker Davis D.D.S.  713-781-2800                Dr. Matt Guerre D.D.S. 713-781-2800
In collaboration with Dr. John Seger M.D. Cardiologist 713-791-9444
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