With sincerest apologies to Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged that the majority of men are, apparently, afraid of the dentist. Why this should be the case is unclear. The excuses for not going, even when an appointment has been booked for them, run the gamut from ‘I forgot’, ‘There was an emergency at work’, ‘This toothache will go away’, to ‘We can’t afford it. Anyone for Chinese Takeaway?’

Oral health in men is a bit like the difference between Mr Collins and Mr Darcy in Pride And Prejudice. Let me explain.

What men don’t realise is that bad breath, missing teeth, and gingivitis is unpleasant. For themselves and for everyone else. They are like Mr Collins – unaware of how deeply unattractive the problem has become.

On the other hand, men who have great oral health have great breath, are more attractive because of that, and have more confidence, just like Mr Darcy.

4 Reasons why great oral health is important

1. Great oral health gives you confidence.
   It doesn’t matter what your profession is, but most men, incorrectly, seem to take their purpose from the job they do. A lack of confidence can keep you from moving forward in your profession.
2. A bad taste in your mouth makes you feel ill and grumpy
   You have to be either courageous or saintly to not take it out on other people when you feel unwell. And why put your family, friends, or colleagues through that when a simple consultation with your dentist can solve the problem?
3. People don’t run away when they see you approaching. 
   Bad breath is nasty. It signals that the person with bad breath is oblivious to the problem, doesn’t know they have it, or doesn’t care. The worse the smell, the ever-decreasing circumference your circle of friends will become. Unfortunately, it’s also often a sign of deeper oral health problems.
4. One problem leads quickly to another
   If your bad breath is caused by gingivitis every tooth in your mouth and the bone in your jaw is in danger of becoming diseased. Cracked teeth, usually caused by grinding them while you sleep, and missing fillings can let in infection which will destroy the tooth in question, and then move on to other teeth.

If your father, or husband, suffers from any of the above, and is one of those who never runs out of excuses to not go, you may have to be creative in how you reinforce the need for him to turn up at his appointment. One way could be to make the appointment for him and give it to him as a gift. Either that or threaten to read Pride And Prejudice out loud until he does go to the dentist.

If you have any concerns about the health of your family’s teeth and mouth health, please contact us on 0508 TEAM DENTAL and set up an appointment today. We’ll make an assessment and talk through any concerns your may have.