ask mh I’m 37 and still have my wisdom teeth. Problem or not? – MT If they aren’t causing you any grief after all these years, keep your mouth shut. Dentists often recommend that teens and young adults have their wisdom teeth pulled as a preventive measure, since these molars may begin pushing against other teeth, leading to pain, chronic irritation, gum disease and even bone loss, says oral surgeon Dr Robert Glickman. Two reasons for having the procedure done when you’re younger: the risk of injury is lower and recovery time is quicker. The story changes if you’re over 25: adults are at higher risk of infection or nerve damage. The healing process may not be as simple either. While teenagers spend only a day or two convalescing with a steady supply of milkshakes, adults may need a week or longer to feel better. In other words, time’s passage changes wisdomteeth extraction from a procedure that may help you avoid unnecessary suffering to one that invites it. And we haven’t even mentioned the cost: a complex wisdom tooth extraction will set you back somewhere between $250 and $500. If your jaw does begin to hurt, however, see your dentist for a whole-mouth X-ray, called an orthopantogram. It’s a fast and easy way to find out if you need to go under the knife.
My partner raves about the skin-improving abilities of shea butter. Should I give it a go myself? – GR You butter believe it. This super-fatty ingredient, which is extracted from African shea tree nuts, is popping up in tons of skin products for a very good reason. “Shea butter has skin-hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can soothe and calm your skin,” says cosmetic and clinical researcher Dr Joshua Zeichner. Those traits come from a variety of compounds in shea, like methanolic extract and triterpene cinnamates, that make it “one of the ultimate multitaskers in skin care”, according to Zeichner. Translation: goodbye razor rash, hello smooth skin. So don't be afraid to help yourself to your partner's supply. Or, if you want to buy your own, make sure you get a product that lists shea butter among the first five ingredients.
Alice Dude, you’re now the mortal enemy of the entire male population – you know that, right? ’Fess up your fears or forever live in submission.
Ask the MH girls the questions you can’t ask anyone else. They’re three women with strong opinions, so don’t expect sugarcoated responses Got a question for Ask Men’s Health or The Girls in the Office? Email menshealth@pacificmags.com.au or head to yahoo7.com.au/menshealth.
Q
My girl is quite forthcoming when it comes to initiating sex and likes to dominate in bed. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great most of the time. But sometimes I feel emasculated. Can I say something to her? – KL Cassie Wah, wah, wah! My girlfriend’s good in bed. Poor me! Cry me a river, buddy. Crystelle Don’t say something, KL – do something. Take the reins tonight and show her that you want to be in charge for once. Maybe she’s been taking charge because you haven’t?
Q
A girl I’ve been seeing on and off said she loved me when drunk one night. She clearly doesn’t remember the declaration. Should I raise it? – RT Alice Maybe her affection was targeted at the delicious tequila sunrise she’d just demolished and her love wires got crossed? Or maybe she was too embarrassed to say it sober and wanted to test the waters? I’d sit tight and see if she brings it up again when the spirits are in lockdown. Crystelle I agree with Alice – she was probably just testing the waters. I reckon you should leave this be and when (or if) you’re ready for the jump, tell her you love her yourself. Cassie Awks! She remembers, all right. I bet the poor chick woke up the next morning and immediately wanted to escape through the window. Just act as if nothing happened – unless you love her back. In which case, tell her.
Q
My wife and I share our incomes and expenses, but now that we’re saving for a house she wants me to quit my CrossFit classes as they’re “too expensive”. What can I do to make her change her mind? – AM
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Alice Gently explain to your wife that CrossFit is a cult and if you try to leave, the other members will come to your house, throw kettlebells through your windows, tie you up with a skipping rope and slap you about the head and body with a pair of Nanos until you change your mind. Crystelle Hmm, this is an odd one, AM. Can you shop around for a cheaper CrossFit gym? I’d also try explaining to wifey that you need CrossFit not just for exercise and health, but also for happiness and sanity. Cassie I agree. If she’s telling you to cut back on something you really value, maybe fight back by suggesting she forgo her fortnightly pedicure or cut back on her Manolo Blahnik addiction? Surely there are other ways you guys can save money?
Q
I’m 35 but my girlfriend treats me like a kid – she wipes crumbs from my chin and fixes my collar in public. I know it’s trivial but it gets on my nerves. How do I tell her to back off? – BD Cassie Learn to wipe the food off your own face like a big boy, BD, and maybe she’ll stop. Alice How is she meant to know you aren’t digging her motherly nature? She clearly thinks ironing your socks and cutting your toenails is acceptable behaviour. BD, stop acting like an eight-year-old and tell her to quit it already. Crystelle Aw shucks, but it’s just cos she loves you, BD!