Men's Oral Health is Critical to Maintaining Overall Health

SEATTLE, June 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- From heart disease to erectile dysfunction, the impacts of poor dental care among men can have health impacts far more serious than a toothache.

For Men's Health Month this June, Delta Dental of Washington wants men across the state to know more about the connection between oral health and a variety of health concerns they may not typically associate with dental care.

The unfortunate fact is that less than 50 percent of men brush twice a day and are less likely to seek preventative care until the problem is too painful (and likely too far gone) before seeing a dentist – leading to a variety of dental-related health concerns:

• Thirty-four percent of men between 30 and 54 years old have gum disease, which increases a man's risk of kidney cancer (49%), pancreatic cancer (54%) and blood cancers (30%).
• Gum disease (a result of forgetful flossing) is seven times more common in men with erectile dysfunction.
• Plaque on your teeth allows for bacteria to easily access your bloodstream, triggering inflammation in the arteries, a risk for those predisposed to heart disease - the cause of one in every four male deaths in the U.S.
• The average man will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72; for smokers that number increases to 12.

"Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory infection characterized by the destruction of bone that supports your teeth," notes Dr. Kyle Dosch, Dental Director for Delta Dental of Washington. "Current research suggests chronic inflammation in the mouth may link periodontal disease with an increased risk for developing a variety of systemic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and impotence."       

The good news is that men do have some control over these health concerns. By simply having healthy teeth and gums, they can reduce their overall risks and improve their overall health.

• The first step is to simply brush for two minutes at least twice daily. Scroll through your inbox or check your Facebook feed while brushing so it doesn't seem so tedious.
• Second step, floss. Not flossing leaves forty percent of your tooth surface unclean where bacteria laden tartar buildup and plaque can penetrate deep below the gum line causing severe gum disease, tooth and bone loss, inflammation and complications to a host of systemic disease. Oh, and don't forget erectile dysfunction.
• Finally - go to the dentist regularly. Aside from getting your teeth clean and monitoring your oral health, your dentist can identify medical conditions that have oral symptoms. Some you may not even know you have.

For more information on the importance of oral care and tips to make your oral health routine the strongest it can be visit www.deltadentalwa.com/oralhealthandwellness.

About Delta Dental of Washington: Delta Dental of Washington partners with employer groups and individuals to offer comprehensive, preventive based dental benefits that impact overall health and wellness in-state and nationwide. Our commitment to oral health is rooted deeply in our mission. We work with lawmakers in Olympia to advocate for better oral health policies and our foundation supports innovative approaches and practical solutions to improve oral and overall health across the state with a focus on prevention, early intervention and expanding access to care for seniors and young children.

SOURCE Delta Dental of Washington

Related Links

http://www.deltadentalwa.com