Why is Oral Health Important for Men?

When a man comes into my dental office, I always ask them “Do you have a toothache or did your wife make you this appointment?” Inevitably the man responds “Yes” to one or both of the questions.

Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health, and according to studies and surveys, they are less likely to take care of their oral health as well.  Good oral health has been linked to longevity.  Yet, one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male.  Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, only visiting a dentist when a problem arises.

Cardiovascular disease is more common in men, and so is periodontal disease.  Studies have shown that periodontal disease is a factor associated with cardiovascular disease.  Men, on this fact alone, should be having their teeth cleaned more often than men.  And we all know that this is not true.

Dry mouth can cause a serious rise in decay and cavities in patients who suffer from this. Medications are one of the main causes of dry mouth.  Since men are more likely to suffer a heart attack or a stroke, or have high blood pressure, they take more medications to address these health concerns.  The oral side effects of these drugs have an irreversible and detrimental effect on one’s oral health.

Tobacco use is higher in men than women.  Oral cancer is twice as likely to occur in males.  Oral cancer screenings need to occur often in patients that smoke.  These screenings take place at a patients routine dental cleaning appointment.  Caught early, oral cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy in order to save ones life.  Failure to catch the malignancy early can result is extensive procedures that have side effects of disfiguration of one’s face, lack of oral function and even death.

Sports and activities such as football, basketball, surfing, biking, and fighting (UFC) are sports that are more commonly done by men.  Dental trauma from these sports need immediate treatment and continuous follow up and maintenance.  Dental implants are often used to replace missing teeth and dental implants need yearly x-rays and dental cleanings at least twice a year.

Therefore men should be at the dental office more than women.  Our dental practice at Torrey Hills is 60% women and 40% men.  So in conclusion, if you have a husband or father that you love, make them a dental appointment and get them into my office so we can help them live a longer and healthier life.

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Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. James Tasto attended University of San Diego High School where he lettered in both golf and wrestling. After earning a Bachelors in Science from Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Tasto graduated from University of Southern California Dental School with an emphasis on cosmetics and sports dentistry.  Dr. James Tasto was selected by his peers to be included in the List of Top Dentists in San Diego for 2007 – 2013.  He appeared in the May issue of San Diego Magazine.  Dr. Tasto is also a member of D.O.C.S. (Doctors Offering Charitable Services), a local organization that offers medical services such as plastic surgery, vision and dental to the less fortunate patients in San Diego.  Dr. Tasto currently resides in San Diego with his lovely wife Traci and their 3 children. He enjoys golf, beach volleyball and playing with his kids.