Dental Tips for Men’s Health Month

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.

Dental Tip #1

“Wear a mouthguard when you’re on the field and a helmet when you’re on a bike.”^[2]

“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.

Dental Tip #2

Update your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

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. This is right inline with our “4 Common Dental Health Mistakes” Mistake #4 of “Putting Off Your Dental Appointment.” 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.

Dental Tip #3

Say no to smoking.^[4]

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.