Top Facts about Men’s Oral Health

Do you know someone—let’s say, of the male persuasion—who is always putting off going to the dentist? While many people are guilty of this, it seems men are more likely to skip their yearly checkup:

• According to a national survey, women report brushing more often and more thoroughly than men.
• 86% of women say they brush twice a day, compared to 66% of men.
• Men replace their toothbrushes less frequently than women.
• Studies show that men with a history of gum disease are more likely to develop certain kinds of cancer, such as kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers, than those with healthy gums. Since men admittedly take less care of their teeth, here are some ways to be extra vigilant about oral health:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two full minutes, use toothpaste with fluoride, use mouthwash and floss daily.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you’ve been sick.
• Visit your doctor at least once a year for a cleaning and exam.
• If you see gum bleeding after brushing or flossing, take medications that can cause dry-mouth, use tobacco, or play sports, take even greater care to visit the dentist regularly, as these can put you at greater risk for oral health problems.

3 Ways to Keep up Dental Health in the summer

Summertime is finally here! However, carefree summer days could spell danger for your kids’ oral health. Between vacation, pool parties, and lazy days, their teeth may feel a little neglected. Here are some ways to keep oral hygiene in check during the summer months:

Cool down with water: Summer brings hot weather and it’s tempting to cool down with beverages that are highly acidic or loaded with sugar (like popsicles, sushies, and soda). Instead, encourage kids to drink plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated. Also, discourage them from sucking or chewing on ice cubes—this can damage teeth by creating tiny fractures in the enamel.

Plan healthy snacks: Since there will likely be lots of hanging out and relaxation time, be prepared with healthy snacks so chips and candy isn’t within reach. Fresh fruits or veggies with hummus are healthy crowd pleasers.

Use the songs of summer: There are usually a few summertime hits that kids will be obsessed with. Use these as incentives to get them brushing. When it’s time to brush, play their favorite tunes on (that are about 2 minutes in length) and make sure they brush for the entire song.