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Men are often recognized for their dedication to their family and career but aren’t necessarily as vigilant when it comes to oral health. In fact, a CDC study showed that less than 59 percent of men aged 18 to 64 had had a dental visit within the last year. Since June is Men’s Health Month, now is the perfect time to focus on oral health no matter your age. With that in mind, here are some tips designed just for you.
Get a Dental Checkup Twice a Year
One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to see your Downtown Dallas dentist at least twice a year. This ensures you have a professional cleaning a minimum of once every six months and gives your dentist a chance to screen for issues ranging from simple cavities to oral cancers. Neglecting your dental care means that problems might not be noticed until they become serious, resulting in more invasive (and expensive) procedures being required than would have otherwise been necessary.
Brush Twice a Day, and Floss Once a Day
Brushing and flossing are the easiest methods for preventing tooth decay and other oral health issues, yet it sadly isn’t a daily habit for everyone. In most cases, just four minutes of brushing a day (two in the morning and two at night) and a couple minutes for flossing is all it takes, making it an easy step to fit into almost any day. If you aren’t brushing and flossing on this schedule, now is a great time to start.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking increases the risk of numerous oral health issues including oral cancer, gum disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay. Plus, tobacco products stain teeth, causing them to yellow over time, and contribute to bad breath. If you want to learn about methods that can help you quit, speak with your Downtown Dallas dentist at Bleu Dentistry today.
Monitor Medication Side Effects
A range of medications used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease cause dry mouth as a side effect. While it can seem innocuous on the surface, decreased salivary flow increases your risk for cavities. Combat the effects by drinking water frequently, chewing sugarless gum, and using alcohol-free mouth rinses. You should also avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, and especially salty foods. If the side effect becomes troublesome after home treatments, speak with your dentist at Bleu Dentistry about additional options or products that may help.
By following the tips above, you can improve your overall oral health, so why not start now. Contact Bleu Dentistry at and schedule an appointment today at our Oaklawn dental office.