June is Men’s Health Month and we at Villa Canyon Prosthodontics are wearing blue to celebrate! Men’s Health Month was “...anchored by a Congressional health education program…” and “...is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities.”[1]
According to MensHealthMonth.org: “The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.”
At Villa Canyon Prosthodontics we want to follow suit by encouraging early detection by showing some preventative measures with regard to oral health habits with the following dental tips.
“Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped, or lost teeth.” Scottsdale Prosthodontist Dr. Michael L. Bleeker offers a wide variety of treatment options for broken, chipped, or lost teeth from a sports-related oral injury or trauma. Check out our previous blog “What Treatments Can a Prosthodontist Perform?” for more information.
This tip may sound common and obvious, but the American Dental Association (ADA) said that, “Men changed their toothbrush less frequently than recommended by the ADA, opting for a new brush on average every five months instead of every three or four months.”[3] Preventative care starts at home with good upkeep of regular brushing habits and ensuring that you use clean tools to take care of your oral health. Procrastinating on purchasing and replacing a toothbrush or getting your regular checkup means that potential disease processes could already be taking place. Your at-home upkeep and regular checkups from your dental professional can all aid in maintaining proper oral health care and detecting potential disease processes in the early stages leading to swift treatment.
Two months ago was Oral Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to note that around 75% of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. “Cigarettes have tar and nicotine that can make the teeth look yellow. These are elements which can eat away the gums. When you are smoking cigarettes it can cause plaque and bacteria on the teeth and even at the gum line.” Dr. Bleeker can provide literature and education on making lifestyle changes--providing modern methods for smoking cessation.
We want to wish our patients great oral health and a happy Men’s Health Month! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bleeker, please call 480-306-8510 or visit our Contact page.
Remember to give your teeth the attention they need
[1] "JUNE Is Men's Health Month!" Mens Health Month. Accessed June 01, 2018. http://www.menshealthmonth.org/.
[2] "Three Oral Hygiene Tips for Men." Article | Sports Safety | Colgate® Oral Care Information Emergencies/Injuries. Accessed June 01, 2018. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/three-oral-hygiene-tips-for-men-0715.
[3] "Men's Oral & Dental Health - Male Tooth and Gum Care, Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease - Colgate." Article | Sports Safety | Colgate® Oral Care Information Emergencies/Injuries. Accessed June 01, 2018. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/ada-06-consumer-news-from-the-mens-oral-health.
[4] Stanzil. "Men's Dental Health – Best Oral Care Tips for Men." Men Health India - Health and Fitness Tips for Indian Men. October 03, 2015. Accessed June 01, 2018. https://menhealth.in/mens-dental-health-best-oral-care-tips-for-men/.
