Why men avoid the dentist –and why they shouldn’t

Last week (June 13-19) was Men’s Health Week, during which men are encouraged to take charge of their overall well-being by making healthy living decisions—such as booking that long-overdue check-up with their dentist!

According to a recent report in the American Journal of Men’s Health, men avoid the dentist wherever possible. The report states men are more likely to ignore their oral health, brush their teeth, floss less frequently, and experience higher rates of periodontal (gum) disease. Men avoid the dentist more often than women, and when they do it’s more likely to be for an acute problem rather than for disease prevention.

The reasons for this are complex but are the same reasons men don’t visit the doctor as often as women -including fear of appearing vulnerable, fear of pain, feelings of invincibility and perceived lack of time. And yet, as with all healthcare, prevention is so much easier than cure.

Good oral hygiene helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, preventing tooth loss, which is good for self-esteem and quality of life. It is also important for overall health and well-being, with increasing evidence of a link between gum disease and stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Men’s lifestyles can put them at higher risk of dental problems. They’re more likely than women to smoke and drink alcohol — harmful activities that can lead to many health issues, including oral cancer, which men are twice as likely to suffer from as women.

So, if you are reading this, pick up the phone and make a dental appointment today. Your smile and your health might depend on it.

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