This week marks the beginning of National Men’s Health Month, which is anchored by a Congressional health education program. The purpose of the health awareness month is to educate the public about preventable health issues in men and boys, and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases. Dr. Corbet Locke of Waco, Texas has long emphasized prevention as the most cost-effective approach to dental health. However, studies and surveys conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, tell us that men are less likely to care for their teeth or seek preventive dental treatment than are women. Only 49{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of men brush their teeth twice a day, compared to nearly 57{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of women. Dr. Locke knows that poor dental health can lead to poor general health, and he would like to remind men everywhere that simple preventive dentistry can save your teeth – and perhaps your life.
Win the Fight Before it Starts
Brushing twice and flossing once daily is a preventive dental measure that every Waco man can perform. The purpose of daily oral hygiene is more than securing fresh breath. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. Every time you properly brush and floss, you remove plaque from your teeth. The plaque that remains will harden into tartar within about 48 hours, and tartar contributes to periodontal (gum) disease.
Daily dental care at home is great, but it cannot replace six-month checkups and cleanings with Dr. Locke. These preventive dental visits allow Dr. Locke and our team to monitor your dental health and address any potential concerns early, before they grow into big problems. With extensive experience and advanced technology, Dr. Locke can perform a comprehensive dental examination and let you know if he sees any cause for concern. By detecting dental problems, like cavities, fractures, infection, or faulty dental work early, Dr. Locke can prevent them from causing extensive damage, or from leading to more serious health issues.
Protect Your Teeth, Protect Your Health
When you neglect oral health care, the plaque and bacteria that accumulate in your mouth can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. This infection is more serious than the bad breath it produces. The same bacteria that contribute to gum disease can enter your bloodstream through your mouth and cause problems throughout your body. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious systemic diseases. At a simple routine checkup, Dr. Locke can detect the earliest signs of gum disease, then discuss the best options for treatment.
For more information on the benefits of preventive dentistry, or to schedule your six-month appointment, call Dr. Locke’s Waco dentist office at (254) 776-4888. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and the surrounding Central Texas area.