But why should you bother?

Evidence of the links between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease – which can cause heart attacks and strokes – continues to grow. Dr Patel urges you to be on the look-out for signs of gum disease (such as red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or loose teeth) and tooth decay (pain, swelling, inflammation) and  book your appointments regularly at Putney Dental Surgery to catch these issues early.

Although it’s important for all men to be diligent with their dental health, some men should take extra time to make sure their oral hygiene is at its best.

Taking medications

Saliva helps to reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria found in the mouth. It helps to wash away food and neutralize the acids formed by plaque. Some medications – like blood pressure medications or antidepressants – can inhibit the flow of saliva and cause dry mouth. People who take these medications have a greater risk of developing cavities.

We have available dry mouth gels to provide relief from dry mouth  and Recladent gum to promote saliva flow if you suffer from dry mouth.

Things you can do to ease dry mouth include:

• Drinking more water
• Chewing sugarless gum
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine and carbonated beverages
• Quit  smoking
• Avoid overly salty foods
• Using an alcohol-free mouth rinse.

Smoking

Smoking or using other tobacco products are at greater risk of oral cancers than those who don’t. In fact, men in general are more at risk of oral cancer than women, but age is also a factor – 95% of oral cancers occur in those over 40 years of age.

The most frequent sites of oral cancer are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, the lips and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, disfigurement (following surgery) and even death.

Your regular checkup with Dr Patel includes not only teeth but the whole mouth, gums tongue and screen for oral cancers.

Playing sports

Playing sport – such as football, soccer, hockey, basketball or baseball – can create a higher chance of suffering trauma to mouths and teeth. It is important to use a mouthguard to protect teeth from damage during sports.

Taking care of your teeth

To improve your overall dental health:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
• Use a soft toothbrush and position the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and teeth
• Replace your toothbrush every three months
• Visit us at Putney Dental Surgery for regular check-ups and cleans.

Logo courtesy of Men’s Health Week