We celebrate the fathers, stepfathers and grandfathers in our lives this Sunday. On Father’s Day, we remind our special guys how important they are to us. We want them to take care of themselves in all ways.
It’s also a day to remind them to take care of their teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, men are less likely than women to take care of their oral health.
So, men, put these items on your to-do lists. Taking care of your mouth not only preserves your teeth and gums, but also contributes to better overall health.
- Make an appointment to see your dentist right now. Men are less likely to see their dentists for “preventive maintenance” and often wait until there is a problem. A rule of thumb: Make your dental appointment every other time you change your car’s oil.
- An easy 2 for 1: Brush twice, floss once. That’s right, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. You can do more, but if you do that bare minimum, you are ahead of what most bros do.
- Fluoride is your friend. If your water supply doesn’t contain fluoride, be sure you are using toothpaste and/or mouthwash products that introduce fluoride to your teeth and gums.
- Nicotine is your enemy. Quit or reduce using any tobacco product, including cigarettes and of course, smokeless tobacco, which is used predominantly by men and which causes significant damage to teeth, gums, the tongue and the esophagus.
For men who often have a lot of responsibilities, self-care often moves down the to-do list. But taking care of your oral health now is cost-effective and brings great benefits to you and your family for years to come.
