Heather Lawson-Myers - TOOTH TALK ALTHOUGH MOST people have some oral health problem at some point in their lives, men of all ages are more likely than women to have more periodontal disease. According to the Academy of General Dentistry a recent survey found that 34 per cent of males aged 30 to 54 had periodontitis, compared to 23 per cent of females. Fifty-six per cent of males aged 55 to 90 have periodontitis compared to 44 per cent of females.
In general men do not have medical or dental checkups regularly. Men make fewer trips to the doctor than women because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. Men do not generally brush their teeth as often as women.
Periodontal or gum disease is a result of plaque (a soft, sticky substance that adheres to the teeth) which hardens into calculus or tartar (a hard porus substance). The poisons produced and released by bacteria found in tartar irritate gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of fibres that anchor the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria.
The disease potentially may result in more serious health consequences, such as diabetes. See your dentist if you have these symptoms: bleeding gums, red, swollen gums, persistent bad breath or loose or separating teeth.
Men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks so they are more likely to be on medication that can cause dry mouth. If you take medication for the heart or blood pressure, or if you take anti-depressants, your salivary flow could be inhibited, increasing the risk of developing cavities. Saliva helps to reduce the bacteria found in your mouth.
Persons who consume large amounts of alcohol, smoke, chew tobacco, or smoke marijuana have a greater risk of developing gum disease or oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women, and ninety percent of oral cancers occur in those over forty-five years of age.
The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate, and tissue in back of the tongue, lips and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death.
More than 8,000 people die each year from oral and pharyngeal diseases. If you use tobacco, marijuana or drink alcohol regularly, it is important to see a dentist frequently for cleaning and to ensure that your mouth remains healthy. Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.
If you participate in sports, you have a greater potential for trauma to your teeth. If you play contact sports, such as football, soccer, basketball, and cricket it is important to use a mouth-guard, which is a flexible appliance made out of plastic that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. If you ride bicycles or motorcycles, wear a helmet.
Taking proper care of your teeth is very important. To do this you should floss daily, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. Tips for better dental health are:
use a soft-bristled brush to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one.
replace your toothbrush every three months or after you have been sick.
choose toothpastes containing fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 per cent.
Brush properly. To clean the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45 degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces to the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth and its surrounding gum tissue. Spend at least two-and-a half minutes brushing.
Floss properly. Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and -forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other.
Men, vehicles that are maintained regularly give better service and last longer. An oral cavity that is well maintained is healthier, more comfortable, looks and smells better and has teeth that are strong and healthy for a lifetime. If you ignore your teeth they will go away.
- Information provided by the Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Heather-Dawn Lawson Myers, President, Jamaica Dental Association (2003/4).
