RENEW
MEN NEGLECT
e r a C h t l a e H l a Or AT THEIR PERIL
by Dr. Anson Hooper, DDS, Hooper Family Dental
M
en have always had their special way of doing things, everything from the man cave, to a man’s handshake to a man hug and many more. Recently we have seen a rise in men’s skin care products, male plastic surgery and men’s hair removal. These trends show an important shift toward a more personalized masculine self-care. Oral health care can have a significant impact on just about every other component of an individual’s health that is why it’s important to keep oral health for men at the forefront of this shift. Research has shown that many oral health concerns including gum disease and tooth loss are often more prevalent in men than women. Many medications, heavy tobacco
and alcohol use, and certainly physical sporting activities can cause an increased risk of adverse oral health, often bringing about unwanted medical conditions and diseases. Some of the most common conditions associated with poor oral health in men are:
* Prostate issues * Alzheimer’s disease * Heart disease * Impotence
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Males over the age of 40 also are more prone to oral cancer than any other demographic. The
most commonly affected area of the mouth where oral cancer develops is the lips, gums, tongue and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer spreads quickly and can cause chronic pain, loss of function and even death. If it’s been a while since you have seen a dentist, make a point of seeing a dentist regularly to perform oral cancer screenings. Knowing what we know now, it is critical for men to start paying attention to their health and to get serious about their oral care. Neglecting oral health can lead to more than just an unhealthy smile.
