Self-care is an important aspect of everyone’s lives. Taking good care of one’s body and mind is essential for the wellbeing of everyone. Oral health is also an important aspect of our overall wellbeing that it can’t be ignored. Especially in men, because oral care does affect several other components in a man’s health. Since several studies have revealed that the male population is more prone to get affected by periodontal diseases than women, the topic of male oral health needs to be addressed.

What are the conditions associated with poor oral health?

As mentioned above and in our several other blogs, poor dental health definitely has a negative effect on your overall health. Poor oral care can lead to other medical conditions that are either almost exclusive or that have a higher occurrence in men.

Prostate health: A study has shown that there is a link between gum disease and Prostatitis. Prostatitis is a condition where the prostate gland gets inflamed. Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause difficulty in urination. Treating gum diseases also along with usual medication for Prostatitis can improve the symptoms and quality of life for men with Prostatitis.

Impotence: A study conducted by the University of Granada, Spain showed that men with gum diseases are at a higher risk of getting erectile dysfunction. The research showed that almost 74% of patients with erectile dysfunctions showed signs of gum disease.

Alzheimer’s disease: Cleaning your teeth may seem like an insignificant part of your daily routine but improper cleaning can increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. There is enough evidence to show that periodontal disease (gum disease) could be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Several tests have shown that the micro-organisms can spread from the mouth towards the brains which can cause nerve damage.

Heart Disease: The bacterium that causes periodontal diseases can enter the bloodstream and damage the valves of the heart, especially in patients with artificial heart valves. Although good oral health is not a key factor in the prevention of heart disease, bad oral health will definitely contribute to the risk of heart disease.

How to prevent these problems?

• Visit your dentist regularly, at least once or twice a year. Let your dentist tell you the frequency of the visit.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth after eating your meal to remove any food particles that are stuck between your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free, antibacterial mouth wash to kill any germs or bacteria.
• Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Chewing tobacco is also bad for our teeth. So quit chewing tobacco too.
• Have an overall healthy diet, stay physically active and keep your body well hydrated.