How often do you brush your teeth? The recommendation is twice a day, or even after every time you eat food or drink something that’s not water. Coupled with regular dental cleaning, this routine helps keep your mouth healthy and happy. But here in Indiana, we’re realistic. We understand that this isn’t possible for everyone — for various reasons. We recently stumbled upon a surprising article about brushing in GQ. Apparently, some men skip brushing for days at a time — or even altogether.
According to the article, the online platform Reddit is full of examples of significant others who are fed up with the men in their lives not brushing. Here are just a handful of their examples:
- Men who don’t brush for days at a time.
- Men turning defensive when their girlfriends ask them to go to the dentist.
- Men who shower every day, but whose only dental hygiene routine is stocking up on breath mints.
- Men who will nag their partners to brush their teeth, but who won’t do the same for themselves.
The article addresses some of the reasons for this lack of brushing. Some, including those with depression, say it gives them an outlet of control. Still, many report that they do it simply because they can.
From GQ: “None of the men I spoke to said they’ve faced any consequences for not brushing their teeth, aside from the occasional scold from their dentist, when they decide to go. Neil has been told his breath is bad on occasion, but masks it with gum, and Peter says no one has ever noticed. Most of them have also had the luck of not developing cavities or gum disease so far. Unless there are going to be consequences for your actions, why change?”
We get that life can be complicated, making regular brushing challenging for some. And, of course, not all men fall under the “no-brushing is good brushing” umbrella. But if you are neglecting to brush by choice, we strongly suggest you reconsider. Here are a few reasons why.
Oral Health Impacts Your Whole Body
It takes just a few minutes to brush your teeth, but it has long-term influence. Did you know your mouth health is connected to your overall health? Gum disease is directly related to heart issues, and oral cancers can spread to other parts of your body if they aren’t detected and treated in appropriate time.
It Makes Visits To The Dentist Easy
There are many things dentists do when you have an exam or checkup, ranging from X-rays to deep cleanings. When your teeth haven’t been regularly brushed, it makes things more challenging. For example, there will be more plaque for us to remove and likely more potential cavities to evaluate. This can be stressful for you as you sit in the chair, especially if being at the dentist makes you uneasy to begin with.
It Only Gets More Important With Age
Dental problems don’t disappear as you age; they actually get more complex due to weaker teeth and extended exposure to outside elements. Developing solid dental routines early in life (and even in your mid-life) can play a significant role in reducing dental complications down the line.
If you have questions about brushing, we want to help! We can make sure you have the right tools and techniques to keep your mouth healthy–and even better explain why it matters.
