June is Men’s Health Month!
Oral Health Napa
We all know June means Father’s Day is right around the corner, but did you know that June is also Men’s Health Month? Napa dentist Dr. Hoey wants to help celebrate and encourage the health of all the fellas out there with some educational tips about dental hygiene.
The Importance of Dental Checkups
Napa dentist Dr. Hoey recommends coming in for a routine check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. These appointments allow for you to voice any concerns or issues you might have, and receive a deeper cleaning than you typically get at home. Most dental problems can be avoided with bi-annual visits and skipping these regular visits can allow problems to go undiagnosed and lead to bigger, more complicated issues.
Oral Cancer in Men
The American Dental Association states that research has identified a number of factors that increase the risk of developing oral cancers and that men are twice more likely to get oral cancer than women. Smokers and excessive alcohol drinkers older than 50 are the most at-risk. Oral Cancer remains highly under-diagnosed and under-treated but Napa dentist Dr. Hoey works hard to reverse this trend by carefully and thoroughly screening dental patients for oral cancer.
Gum Disease in Men
Research has found that periodontal disease is higher in men, affecting over 56% of American men and 38% of women. Periodontal disease, or better known as gum diseases is an ongoing infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease and bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. They may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
This month, and every month, Napa dentist Dr. Hoey is here to keep his patients healthy. Have you, or a someone you care about been skipping dental visits? Call Dr. Hoey today at 707-254-7600 to schedule an appointment.
