For Men


Men’s Dental Health

The average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72.*

There are a number of signs and symptoms that warn us of impending dental health issues. For example, if bad breath remains after you have brushed, tooth decay or periodontal disease may be present. If your gums are swollen or bleed easily, you might have gum disease. If your teeth seem to be getting “longer”, it may be a sign of bone recession. If warning signs are ignored for too long, periodontal disease may occur. Proper dental hygiene and treatment can minimize these problems. Each of us must make every effort to improve and maintain good oral health.

  • Flossing - a simple addition to your daily routine may be the most important step to preventing periodontal disease and adding years to your life. Recent research showed that men with extensive gum disease had over a fourfold greater risk for heart disease than men without periodontal disease.
  • Tobacco and Oral Health - smoking creates an environment for periodontal-causing bacteria to exist and to thrive. Smokers have higher levels of periodontal pathogenic bacteria than nonsmokers. Smoking is the number one cause of oral cancers. Even occasional cigar smoking may pose serious health risks.
  • Snoring - according to medical researchers, 50 percent of men snore. Snoring can also be an early warning sign for the dangerous medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
  • Bad breath can be a serious handicap to your social or business life. It can be a source of embarrassment and make you feel self-conscious.
  • Dental Phobia - the key factor for good oral hygiene is prevention - stopping problems before they arise. Unfortunately, phobic patients who suffer from severe anxiety do not visit the dentist for regular care. This results in more complex problems.
  • Oral Cancer - according to the CDC, over 25,000 to 30,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancer is diagnosed and over 8,000 deaths occur due to oral cancer each year. It has been found to be more common in African American males. The most common cause is smoking.
  • Preventing Dental Injuries - In many sports, the athlete is at an obvious risk for contact with sticks, pucks, balls and rackets, or the feet, heads, elbows and knees of other athletes.
  • Some oral health statistics
  • Men’s Health Facts
  • What can I do with my old toothbrush?
* Men’s Health, June 2000

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