Category: Oral Health

Why Men Don’t Visit Their Holland Dentist

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avoid We all need to see the dentist regularly — kids, men, and women. But one of those demographics is avoiding regular dental appointments. We’re looking at you, men! Statistically, men don’t visit the dentist as often as their female counterparts. At my Holland dental office, we wanted to know why, so we looked it up. And now we’re sharing it with you.

Depending on the man, the reason for avoiding dental care regularly varies. Research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry surveyed dentists on why they felt male patients didn’t maintain regular dental care. Here’s what those dentists said:

  • 45% said men don’t see a need to visit the dentist
  • 30% believed men are embarrassed or afraid
  • 18% blame lack of time

Some other common reasons we found include: only visiting the dentist when there’s a problem, societal standards that men should be tough and, therefore, don’t usually discuss things with a healthcare provider, including a dentist, and men sometimes rely on women to make healthcare decisions for them, so single men may be the biggest dentist avoiders of them all.

Why Men Should See the Dentist Every Six Months

Just like women, men should visit the dentist at least twice year for preventive dental care. These appointments allow any problems to be caught and treated early. And when we say problems, we mean a lot more than just a cavity filling or possible root canal. Regular dental appointments help catch scary things too that, if left undetected and untreated, could lead to whole-health concerns. For example:

  • Oral Cancer, which can affect the lips, tongue, throat, and cheeks
  • Gum Disease, which can lead to increased risk for heart disease
  • Sleep Apnea, which may result in high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes

But regular visits to their dentist in Holland can also help men get the smile they’ve always wanted. Cosmetic dentistry options like whitening, veneers, or bonding, and restorative dentistry treatments like dental implants or bridges are all ways to transform a smile.

Feel free to pass this information on to the man (or men!) in your life. And if you’re a man reading this and you’re one who hasn’t been to the dentist in awhile, pick up the phone, call my Holland dental office, and schedule a dental cleaning and exam today. We won’t lecture you or make you feel guilty, we’ll just be happy you came to see us and get you on the path towards a healthy smile and healthy life.

Accepting patients from Holland, Saugatuck, Zeeland.

Your Posture and Your Dental Health

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posture You know many of the common things that result in dental health concerns including not brushing or flossing enough, forgoing regular visits to my Holland dental office, smoking, and even eating foods high in sugar. But did you know that your posture can also affect your oral health? Straighten up, put your shoulders back, and read on to find out how.

It’s All Connected.

You remember the song that first taught us all anatomy, right? The one where we learned the foot bone was connected to the leg bone. Turns out, this elementary explanation to the way our bodies are structured is right on. And that’s where we can run into problems if we have bad posture. It’s ideal to have your head, neck, and spine aligned. However, this isn’t always the case. A lot of people sit or stand with their heads a bit too far forward, which throws off the entire system. When the head goes forward, the shoulders tend to follow and the jaw actually moves backwards. This causes your bite to fall out of place, leading to a misaligned jaw and potentially TMJ disorder, migraines, and other uncomfortable problems.  

Signs of a Problem.

There are several key warning signs that you may be suffering from a bad bite, whether caused by posture or not. If you notice any of the following, call your dentist in Holland.

Test It.

Want to know if your posture is a little out of whack? Test it using one of the methods below.

  • The Mirror Test – All you need for this test is a full-length mirror. Face the mirror and really look at yourself. Are your shoulders level? How about your hips? Do your kneecaps face anywhere but at the mirror? Are your ankles bending in or out? If your shoulders and hips are in line, your knees are forward, and your ankles are straight, your posture is pretty good.   
  • The Wall Test – No full length mirror? No problem. Just find a wall and place the back of your head and buttocks against it, and slide your heels six inches apart. Take your hand to feel how far the wall is from your neck and your lower back. The ideal is about an inch or two.

If you think your posture may be the reason for your pain or dental concerns, schedule your appointment at my Holland dental office today. We can help identify the root of the problem, analyze potential solutions, and work together to find the best option for you.

Accepting patients from Holland, Saugatuck, Zeeland .

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