Oral Hygiene Tips For Men

Oral Hygiene Tips for Men

Some people wait until there is a problem or tooth pain before they see the dentist. There could be many reasons depending on one’s situation, such as anxiety, time, or even insurance or financial concerns. While this is understandable, it is not recommended as getting treated when there is a problem is often more expensive and could involve more time. Instead, we recommend to all of our patients that they schedule a dental exam at least once every six months, even if they are not experiencing any discomfort or pain. This is for two main reasons: 1) dental cleanings are painless and can help support your oral health routine; and 2) having a dentist check on your teeth a few times per year can identify minor issues that can be addressed before they become a problem.

The Link Between Oral Hygiene and Our Overall Health

There are conditions that are associated with poor dental health. Poor oral health often brings about unwanted illnesses and diseases and can also affect existing medical conditions. Some of the most common men’s health conditions associated with poor oral health are:

1.Prostate Issues

2. Alzheimer’s Disease

3.Heart Disease

4. Stroke

5. Impotence

What To Do To Improve Oral Hygiene?

Being honest with yourself and admitting that you could be taking care of your dental health better is an important first step. Improving your dental care practice is one of the easiest actions you can take. This is an important change for a better quality of life and overall health. Below are some simple steps you can take toward better oral hygiene:

Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Dentist 

Routine check-up appointments with your dental team here at Riar Dental Arts at least twice a year can go a long way. Routine cleanings and exams will help ensure you that you are taking good care of your teeth at home and also catch issues early before they become a major dental problems. Dr. Riar and his team will will also help identify recommendations on how to address your dental needs with a customized plan.

Brush Your Teeth A Minimum Of Twice Daily

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone brush a minimum of two minutes, twice a day. The reason is that you need to be able to remove plaque and bacteria through your brushing. These are the main causes of gum disease along with inflammation and cavities. In addition, brushing your teeth must include gently brushing along your gums to keep food particles from sticking to the soft tissue.  Other parts of your mouth that are often overlooked are the roof of your mouth, your tongue, and the inside of your cheeks. Surprisingly, these areas can contribute significantly to bad breath if they are not kept clean with brushing.

Floss Your Teeth After Meals And When Brushing Your Teeth

This is oral hygiene tip for men is surprisingly overlooked quite often. The importance of brushing and flossing is critical because flossing is what removes the food particles and plaque that builds up between your teeth. By flossing, you will reduce the chances of accumulating bacteria and plaque from eating away at your enamel between brushing. Flossing after meals and at least twice a day along with your brushing routine removes plaque from the space between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you are a busy men on-the-go or away from home for the day, make sure to keep a travel size floss or flossers in your mini grooming kit to help you stay on top of your dental health.

Rinse After Meals 

The majority of dentists, including our team here at Riar Dental Arts, recommends using an alcohol-free mouthwash daily. If possible, you should rinse with mouthwash after you brush and floss, every time.  Rinsing a few times throughout the day also helps. This kills the bacteria that lead to plague build up and that also cause bad breath. It also brightens your smile and freshens your breath so use it before a big meeting or before a date to keep everyone around you smiling.

If You Smoke, Quit Smoking

If you smoke, chew, or use tobacco products, you probably know that this habit is damaging to your teeth, lungs, and overall health. It not only leaves a bad smell in your mouth and clothing, it affects the smell of your environment including your care and home. It is critical to consider kicking this habit to the curb if you’re serious about protecting your health. Quitting will provide an immediate boost to your oral hygiene. However, if you have been smoking for a while or if you are not prepared to kick the habit yet, be sure to ask your dentist to conduct an oral cancer screening and how to best coordinate with your physician to monitor your overall health.

Drink More Water

Drinking water helps to keep your mouth cleaner. The acids from plaque, food, and beverages can harm your tooth enamel. However, drinking water helps to dilute some of the acidity to mitigate the effect on your teeth. A glass of water after meals can help wash away residue that may cause stains, and will also reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

Consuming enough water each day is super important for your health as well. It prevents dehydration and promotes healthy cellular function. Dehydration can cause brain fog, mood changes, increase your body’s chances of overheating, higher risk of kidney stones, and can even lead to poor bowel movements (i.e., constipation).

Healthy Food and Lifestyle

Last but not least, the foods and beverages that we consume are a big part of our oral hygiene. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods will play a role into not only protecting your teeth, your body will thank you for better and healthier choices as well. We recommend eating healthy fresh foods and minimizing processed foods. In addition, choosing a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise into your daily routine and being conscious of your stress levels will help support your oral hygiene as well as your overall health.

How Will These Oral Hygiene Tips Help My Overall Health?

Studies show that oral health is closely connected to your overall health. For example, gum disease has a correlation to diabetes, high blood pressure, and even stroke. This is one of the reasons why your dentist looks for signs of gum disease at each and every checkup. Any early signs can be communicated with you in coordination with your physician.

Dr. Riar will also check for signs of tooth decay (cavities), dry mouth, and oral cancer. All of these can affect your overall health and quality of life if they continue without proper treatment. If you keep you with your preventative dental exams, you will also be taking care of yourself overall.

Visit Riar Dental Arts

At Riar Dental Arts, the patient always comes first. Your well-being is the number one focus of our dentist. We use the best tools and methods in modern dentistry at Riar Dental Arts. Dr. Tanveer Riar and his qualified team communicate with each patient on the course treatment(s) for your dental care. These treatments are honest and dependable.

We at Riar Dental Arts, promise to give you the best service and wish for you to be a part of our growing family. Have a look at our reviews to see what the community of Bakersfield is talking about us. Book your Dental Check up with your own Family Dentist in Bakersfield.

Call us now at (661) 832-1877, schedule an appointment online, or visit our office in Bakersfield at 5701 Young St #300, Bakersfield, CA!

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