Men are less likely than women to take care of their health in general. Men with dental concerns, Therefore, it should come as no surprise that men have poorer dental health than women. In addition to habits and lifestyles, gender variations also contribute to this phenomenon. For instance, men are more prone than women to having heart disease and high blood pressure, both of which can negatively impact dental health.
How do you brush and floss your teeth at home?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Periodontology, men are less likely than women to successfully wash and floss their teeth regularly. As dentists, we recommend brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, to prevent cavities and gum disease. However, fewer men than women follow this recommendation.
When was your last physical exam?
Men are less likely to seek preventive care for their dental health than women. To maintain dental health, twice-yearly checkups and cleanings are suggested. However, more men than women forgo preventative cleanings and visit the dentist only when they experience discomfort or another oral health issue.
According to our post on dental myths, cavities and other disorders may not usually cause pain immediately. Some problems create no pain at all. By the time you discover pain or a problem, the condition may be more advanced and complicated, limiting your treatment options and increasing the amount of time and money required for treatment.
You feel great, so what's the issue?
Unfortunately, men are more likely to get periodontal disease due to poor oral hygiene. According to the American Dental Association, 34% of males between the ages of 30 and 54 suffer from periodontal disease, compared to 23% of women in the same age group. The same is true for those over 55 years old, where 56 per cent of men and 44 per cent of women are affected. By age 72, the average guy will have lost 5.4 teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, a smoker might anticipate losing 12 teeth by the age of 72.
Do You Use Tobacco?
In general, men are more susceptible to gum disease and oral cancer. If you're a man who smokes or chews tobacco, your risk is significantly higher. These goods include carcinogens that are directly connected to mouth cancer. Cancer can strike at any age, but 95 per cent of oral cancers strike after the age of 40. Detecting cancer at the earliest possible stage is essential. Typically, a screening for oral cancer is part of the examination that follows a dental cleaning. This screening is a sufficient incentive to visit the dentist regularly.
Specifically, men should consider the following:
How do you brush and floss your teeth at home?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Periodontology, men are less likely than women to successfully wash and floss their teeth regularly. As dentists, we recommend brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, to prevent cavities and gum disease. However, fewer men than women follow this recommendation.
When was your last physical exam?
Men are less likely to seek preventive care for their dental health than women. To maintain dental health, twice-yearly checkups and cleanings are suggested. However, more men than women forgo preventative cleanings and visit the dentist only when they experience discomfort or another oral health issue.
According to our post on dental myths, cavities and other disorders may not usually cause pain immediately. Some problems create no pain at all. By the time you discover pain or a problem, the condition may be more advanced and complicated, limiting your treatment options and increasing the amount of time and money required for treatment.
You feel great, so what's the issue?
Unfortunately, men are more likely to get periodontal disease due to poor oral hygiene. According to the American Dental Association, 34% of males between the ages of 30 and 54 suffer from periodontal disease, compared to 23% of women in the same age group. The same is true for those over 55 years old, where 56 per cent of men and 44 per cent of women are affected. By age 72, the average guy will have lost 5.4 teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, a smoker might anticipate losing 12 teeth by the age of 72.
Do You Use Tobacco?
In general, men are more susceptible to gum disease and oral cancer. If you're a man who smokes or chews tobacco, your risk is significantly higher. These goods include carcinogens that are directly connected to mouth cancer. Cancer can strike at any age, but 95 per cent of oral cancers strike after the age of 40. Detecting cancer at the earliest possible stage is essential. Typically, a screening for oral cancer is part of the examination that follows a dental cleaning. This screening is a sufficient incentive to visit the dentist regularly.
We all want healthy teeth and gums for a great smile, fresh breath, and an increase in confidence. But did you know that nearly half of all adults have or have had halitosis (bad breath)? It is one of the most common dental problems, but it is also one of the most easily treated.
Here's a look at halitosis, as well as nine other common dental problems and their treatment options.
1. Caries of the teeth
Dental caries or dental cavities are other terms for tooth decay. It is the most common dental problem encountered by patients. Almost everyone has had tooth decay at some point in their lives.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film on the surface of the teeth called plaque. Acids are produced by bacteria from sugars in food. The acids eat away and permanently damage the tooth's enamel or outer layer. The acids then begin to attack the dentin layer beneath the enamel, which is softer.
This tooth breakdown can result in cavities or holes in your teeth. It can also cause toothaches, such as pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Other signs of tooth decay include:
Breath that stinks.
Spots on your teeth that are black or brown
You have an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
The first step in dental care is determining the extent of your tooth decay and recommending a treatment plan. Fillings, crowns, and root canals are examples of such procedures. The extraction option may be followed by dental implants or dentures.
Regular (twice daily) brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay. Also, visit your dentist on a regular basis to have the plaque removed from your teeth.
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| A girl brushing her teeth (pexel photo) |
Here's a look at halitosis, as well as nine other common dental problems and their treatment options.
1. Caries of the teeth
Dental caries or dental cavities are other terms for tooth decay. It is the most common dental problem encountered by patients. Almost everyone has had tooth decay at some point in their lives.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film on the surface of the teeth called plaque. Acids are produced by bacteria from sugars in food. The acids eat away and permanently damage the tooth's enamel or outer layer. The acids then begin to attack the dentin layer beneath the enamel, which is softer.
This tooth breakdown can result in cavities or holes in your teeth. It can also cause toothaches, such as pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Other signs of tooth decay include:
Breath that stinks.
Spots on your teeth that are black or brown
You have an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
The first step in dental care is determining the extent of your tooth decay and recommending a treatment plan. Fillings, crowns, and root canals are examples of such procedures. The extraction option may be followed by dental implants or dentures.
Regular (twice daily) brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay. Also, visit your dentist on a regular basis to have the plaque removed from your teeth.
Coffee Does Much More Than Just Stain Teeth
If you rely on coffee to start your day and keep you energized, you might want to reconsider your next cup of Joe. Sure, it's delicious and provides you with a lift, but it can have severe effects on your teeth.
Here is a look at how Java affects your mouth and what you can do about it.
Severe Teeth Stains
Generally speaking, if a liquid can stain clothing, it can also stain teeth. Coffee is also known to discolour teeth over time.
This is because coffee contains tannins, a type of polyphenol. Tannins degrade in water, causing pigmented chemicals to adhere to teeth. Because your tooth enamel is permeable, these tannins can stain your teeth yellow.
Fortunately, surface stains can be reduced with a thorough tooth-cleaning agent. Additionally, teeth whitening procedures and treatments can remove surface stains. But if the stain is older, deeper, or more complicated, veneers, which are glued to the teeth, may be needed to make the teeth whiter and brighter again.
Enamel Erosion
Unfortunately, foods and beverages with a high acidity level can erode dental enamel, and coffee is highly acidic. If consumed frequently, it can gradually erode tooth enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to disease.
This also causes the teeth to appear darker by increasing their translucency. Without the whiteness provided by enamel, teeth seem darker in the mouth.
To prevent or lessen this erosion, sip coffee through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth, particularly the front surfaces. Furthermore, avoid swishing coffee in your mouth. Additionally, rinse your mouth with water after drinking.
It may sound like a smart idea, but you should wait at least 30 minutes after coffee before brushing your teeth. While the acids are still present, immediate brushing might damage the enamel further.
Any toothpaste containing fluoride will increase enamel's acid resistance. Choose a well-known brand because appropriate formulation requires much research.
Everyone is familiar with the fundamentals of oral hygiene, such as frequent brushing, flossing, and dental examinations. However, you may have heard other oral health myths that sound familiar but are not true.
Baby Teeth Do Not Require Repair.
Although baby teeth are transitory, their health is still crucial. Primary teeth aid in eating and speaking. In addition, they maintain the correct spacing in a child's mouth and guide the emergence of permanent teeth. As with adults, healthy teeth and a healthy smile have a significant impact on a child's confidence and sense of self-worth.
Learn about some prevalent beliefs regarding dental health.
Although baby teeth are transitory, their health is still crucial. Primary teeth aid in eating and speaking. In addition, they maintain the correct spacing in a child's mouth and guide the emergence of permanent teeth. As with adults, healthy teeth and a healthy smile have a significant impact on a child's confidence and sense of self-worth.
Cavities are caused only by sugar.
Too much sugar can cause cavities, but it's not the only thing that can lead to tooth disease. In truth, the majority of cavities are caused by the acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, cavities are the outcome of improper dental hygiene and the presence of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can be caused by sugar, along with bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Too much sugar can cause cavities, but it's not the only thing that can lead to tooth disease. In truth, the majority of cavities are caused by the acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, cavities are the outcome of improper dental hygiene and the presence of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can be caused by sugar, along with bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Depression in Older Adults May be Prevented by Insomnia Treatment.
Depression is very common among the elderly. According to some estimates, more than 10% of people over the age of 60 had experienced major depressive disorder (MDD) in the previous year. Depressed mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, difficulties concentrating, thoughts of worthlessness or guilt, thoughts of death or suicide, weariness, sleep disorders, unanticipated weight loss or gain, a change in appetite, and delayed or agitated movement are some of the symptoms of MDD.
What is the relationship between sleep and depression?
In someone with MDD, insomnia (difficulty getting asleep, remaining asleep, and/or waking up too early) and hypersomnia (sleeping excessively) are both common. Insomnia, in particular, doubles the risk of MDD. This is especially true for the elderly, as one study found that over 70% of those over the age of 65 suffer from at least one symptom of insomnia.
Why would scientists look into insomnia therapy as a means of preventing depression?
There is growing evidence that treating insomnia in patients with both insomnia and MDD can help them sleep better and feel better. In one trial done in Australia (CBT-I), participants with insomnia and MDD were treated with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. CBT-I is a set of tools meant to help patients treat only their insomnia, as opposed to other conditions where cognitive and behavioural methods are often utilized, such as depression. This indicates that the skills learned during CBT for depression will not help people suffering from sleeplessness. 61 per cent of research participants who underwent CBT-I from a behavioural sleep medicine expert felt better, and many symptoms of their depression improved—to the point where their MDD was declared to be in remission.
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| Pexel image |
A new follow-up study looked at death rates from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and all causes in later years, and the results for each group were surprising in various respects.
What are the benefits of slowing or preventing diabetes?
Diabetes type 2 is one of the most common long-term conditions in the world. It can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, eye issues, and renal problems over time, increasing the risk of disability and death. If a person's blood tests reveal that they have prediabetes, well-tested strategies can help them delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. This could help individuals live longer and better lives.
What did the follow-up research reveal?
The findings of the original study suggest that both lifestyle changes and metformin medication can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes in people with prediabetes. The risk was reduced by 58% and 31%, respectively when compared to the control group.
The original DPP cohort of 3,234 people was invited to stay in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, a follow-up observation Study (DPPOS). Most of the people in the study have been followed for more than 20 years, giving researchers a unique chance to look at several important health outcomes.
After an average of 21 years, the researchers looked at participant fatalities from any cause, cancer, or cardiovascular disease. Researchers found no difference in death rates between the people in the intensive lifestyle arm of the study and the people in the metformin arm of the study compared to the people in the control group.
The last few months have been difficult for us. It appears that it is nearly impossible to turn on the news or scroll through social media without coming across a disturbing image. Whether it's seeing a photo of a child injured in a bombing in Ukraine, reading a gruesome description of assaults on innocent women and children, or hearing a survivor tell her story, the emotions evoked by the media can last all day.
War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a surprisingly common reaction to conflict-related news and images. The news from Ukraine appears to be hitting us especially hard, coming on the heels of a two-year pandemic. This could be linked to our already high levels of fatigue, anxiety, and a shaky sense of control. A poll by the American Psychological Association found that Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a lot of stress for 80% of the people who answered.
We are still learning about the long-term effects of mass violence fears. A Finnish study discovered that adolescents who were concerned about nuclear war were more likely to develop common mental disorders five years later. Anxious people are also more likely to seek out crisis coverage in the media, which can lead to a vicious cycle of distress.
War anxiety can creep up on you gradually or appear suddenly in response to a trigger. Symptoms can manifest in the mind, the body, or both. Anxiety can manifest physically as a racing heart, butterflies in your stomach, nausea, or dizziness. Some people experience full-fledged panic attacks. Others experience war anxiety as uncontrollable worries, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, or nightmares. Others may experience numbness. Remember that anxiety is a normal reaction to life's stresses and that a small amount of anxiety is adaptive — it tells your body to take a threat seriously.
Effective coping strategies.
When your mind is preoccupied with the war, or when you experience muscle tension or other physical symptoms, there are some strategies that can help you break the cycle of anxiety.
Reduce your media exposure. Emotionally compelling news sells, and news that negatively affects you is more likely to be addictive. Breaking the habit of regularly checking the news may be the most effective single change in combating war anxiety. You shouldn't be exposed to it for more than 30 minutes a day, and you shouldn't be exposed right before bed.
Make an effort to help others. Channelling your anxiety into meaningful connections may help you feel less helpless. Consider checking in to offer support if you have a friend or acquaintance from Ukraine. Consider volunteering or donating to one of these organizations.
Develop compassion. Anger can be triggered by war anxiety, which stems from a loss of control. Anger can be directed at populations or ethnic groups, or it can be directed at family members or friends who hold opposing views. Anger can be effectively challenged with compassion in addition to interventions such as mindfulness, physical activity, and breathing exercises. Begin by paying more attention to the kindness around you, attempting to limit your judgments and attempting to appreciate different points of view.
Alter your routine. Limiting your exposure to the media, news updates, and political debates will increase your free time during the day. Unfortunately, as our brains are hard-wired to do, unstructured time usually results in more worrying. Instead, try incorporating the following anxiety-relieving activities: Take a walk in the woods. According to research, spending as little as 15 minutes in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Increase the amount of time you spend exercising. Any aerobic activity can help you feel less anxious, but the more intense the activity, the more it helps.
Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises are recommended. Try to practice every day to reap the benefits. Guided mindfulness can be practiced in person or at home using CDs or mobile apps. Breathe2Relax is a free and scientifically proven mobile app that teaches deep breathing exercises.
For the vast majority of people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms will peak and then gradually fade. Severe anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, may necessitate additional attention, especially because conflict can trigger memories of past traumatic experiences. If your work, sleep, or general sense of well-being is being disrupted by war anxiety, consult with your primary care clinician to see if therapy or medications are necessary. This pamphlet can be useful when discussing the war with children. The Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for crisis counseling and referrals to local resources.
What exactly is war anxiety?
War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a surprisingly common reaction to conflict-related news and images. The news from Ukraine appears to be hitting us especially hard, coming on the heels of a two-year pandemic. This could be linked to our already high levels of fatigue, anxiety, and a shaky sense of control. A poll by the American Psychological Association found that Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a lot of stress for 80% of the people who answered.
What does the research indicate?
We are still learning about the long-term effects of mass violence fears. A Finnish study discovered that adolescents who were concerned about nuclear war were more likely to develop common mental disorders five years later. Anxious people are also more likely to seek out crisis coverage in the media, which can lead to a vicious cycle of distress.
War anxiety symptoms
War anxiety can creep up on you gradually or appear suddenly in response to a trigger. Symptoms can manifest in the mind, the body, or both. Anxiety can manifest physically as a racing heart, butterflies in your stomach, nausea, or dizziness. Some people experience full-fledged panic attacks. Others experience war anxiety as uncontrollable worries, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, or nightmares. Others may experience numbness. Remember that anxiety is a normal reaction to life's stresses and that a small amount of anxiety is adaptive — it tells your body to take a threat seriously.
Effective coping strategies.
When your mind is preoccupied with the war, or when you experience muscle tension or other physical symptoms, there are some strategies that can help you break the cycle of anxiety.
Reduce your media exposure. Emotionally compelling news sells, and news that negatively affects you is more likely to be addictive. Breaking the habit of regularly checking the news may be the most effective single change in combating war anxiety. You shouldn't be exposed to it for more than 30 minutes a day, and you shouldn't be exposed right before bed.
Make an effort to help others. Channelling your anxiety into meaningful connections may help you feel less helpless. Consider checking in to offer support if you have a friend or acquaintance from Ukraine. Consider volunteering or donating to one of these organizations.
Develop compassion. Anger can be triggered by war anxiety, which stems from a loss of control. Anger can be directed at populations or ethnic groups, or it can be directed at family members or friends who hold opposing views. Anger can be effectively challenged with compassion in addition to interventions such as mindfulness, physical activity, and breathing exercises. Begin by paying more attention to the kindness around you, attempting to limit your judgments and attempting to appreciate different points of view.
Alter your routine. Limiting your exposure to the media, news updates, and political debates will increase your free time during the day. Unfortunately, as our brains are hard-wired to do, unstructured time usually results in more worrying. Instead, try incorporating the following anxiety-relieving activities: Take a walk in the woods. According to research, spending as little as 15 minutes in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Increase the amount of time you spend exercising. Any aerobic activity can help you feel less anxious, but the more intense the activity, the more it helps.
Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises are recommended. Try to practice every day to reap the benefits. Guided mindfulness can be practiced in person or at home using CDs or mobile apps. Breathe2Relax is a free and scientifically proven mobile app that teaches deep breathing exercises.
Obtaining additional assistance
For the vast majority of people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms will peak and then gradually fade. Severe anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, may necessitate additional attention, especially because conflict can trigger memories of past traumatic experiences. If your work, sleep, or general sense of well-being is being disrupted by war anxiety, consult with your primary care clinician to see if therapy or medications are necessary. This pamphlet can be useful when discussing the war with children. The Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for crisis counseling and referrals to local resources.
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| Pexel photo |
Here's everything you need to know about this treatment option.
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have several options for their next step. Many men with slow-growing, low-risk cancer choose active surveillance, a wait-and-see approach that tracks cancer's progress.
Other treatments are recommended if the cancer is at a higher risk (a Gleason score of 7 or higher) or has already spread. (On a scale of 6 to 10, a Gleason score classifies prostate tumour cells.) The greater the number, the more likely it is that cancer will spread. There are two options: surgery to remove the prostate (known as a prostatectomy) or radiation to kill cancer cells.
Studies comparing these two approaches show that neither has an advantage in terms of cancer control. Your path will be determined by factors such as your current state of health, the specifics of your cancer, and your personal preferences. However, for many men, radiation therapy may be the better option.
"It's much more precise than traditional radiation used for other types of cancer," says Dr. Anthony D'Amico, a radiation oncologist at the Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Other treatments are recommended if the cancer is at a higher risk (a Gleason score of 7 or higher) or has already spread. (On a scale of 6 to 10, a Gleason score classifies prostate tumour cells.) The greater the number, the more likely it is that cancer will spread. There are two options: surgery to remove the prostate (known as a prostatectomy) or radiation to kill cancer cells.
Studies comparing these two approaches show that neither has an advantage in terms of cancer control. Your path will be determined by factors such as your current state of health, the specifics of your cancer, and your personal preferences. However, for many men, radiation therapy may be the better option.
"It's much more precise than traditional radiation used for other types of cancer," says Dr. Anthony D'Amico, a radiation oncologist at the Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox. It causes a comparable (though typically less severe) disease and is most widespread in central and western Africa. It was first detected in studied monkeys more than half a century ago. Certain squirrels and rats found in Africa are among other species that host this virus.
Currently, an outbreak is spreading swiftly outside of Africa. The virus has been reported in at least a dozen countries, including the US, Canada, Israel, and across Europe. As of the time of writing, Reuters has reported more than one hundred confirmed or suspected cases, making this the largest known outbreak outside of Africa. There have been no recorded deaths thus far.
Naturally, news of an unusual virus spreading rapidly across the globe brings to mind the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But monkeypox was discovered for the first time in 1958, and several things about it suggest that it is likely to be much less dangerous.
What symptoms does monkeypox cause?
The earliest signs of monkeypox are influenza-like and include fever and sore throat. Fever, tiredness, headache, lymph nodes that are swollen.
A few days later, a distinctive rash develops. It frequently begins on the face and spreads to the palms, arms, legs, and other body regions. Recent incidences have shown vaginal rashes. Over the course of two weeks, the rash progresses from small, flat spots to blisters (vesicles) resembling chickenpox, and finally to bigger, pus-filled blisters. These wounds can take weeks to scab over. Once this occurs, a person is no longer infectious.
Even though the illness is usually mild, it can lead to complications like pneumonia, blindness from an eye infection, and sepsis, an infection that could kill you.
How does one contract monkeypox?
This disease typically affects people who have had contact with diseased animals. It may result from a bite, scratch, or consumption of raw animal meat.
The virus can spread among humans in three ways:
Inhaling respiratory droplets directly touching an infected person less frequently, as through handling an infected person's clothing.
The respiratory pathway is characterized by large droplets that do not linger or go far. Consequently, transmission from person to person often needs prolonged, intimate contact.
We're keeping an eye on this research.
A recent study shows that middle-aged men who worry or feel anxious a lot are more likely to have problems that make them more likely to get heart disease as they get older than their friends who don't worry as much.
The study, which began in 1975, comprised 1,561 men without cardiac disease with an average age of 53. All of the males took tests to see how worried they were and how neurotic they were, a personality trait linked to feelings of dread, grief, and rage. Researchers collected data on the men's risk of cardiometabolic disease (which includes heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes) every three to five years until they died or dropped out. Blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, BMI, and a blood marker of inflammation were all measured.
A recent study shows that middle-aged men who worry or feel anxious a lot are more likely to have problems that make them more likely to get heart disease as they get older than their friends who don't worry as much.
The study, which began in 1975, comprised 1,561 men without cardiac disease with an average age of 53. All of the males took tests to see how worried they were and how neurotic they were, a personality trait linked to feelings of dread, grief, and rage. Researchers collected data on the men's risk of cardiometabolic disease (which includes heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes) every three to five years until they died or dropped out. Blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, BMI, and a blood marker of inflammation were all measured.
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