Men, Teeth, And Flossing
The other day I was walking with a friend and we got on the topic of men and their flossing habits. I asked her if it was wrong that I would stop considering a potential guy if he didn’t floss or wasn’t willing to start flossing.
I told her that non-flossing is a deal-breaker for me. It seemed so severe, so I was shocked that she actually agreed with me! This doesn’t mean we are high-maintenance, overly picky girls.
We just happen to love kissing men and insist that the recipient of our kisses provide a hygienic welcome. Personally, I don’t care if a man has a jacked-up grill. It’s how you take care of it, really.
Here’s my pointless attempt to try to convince you men out there to start flossing:
- If you’re only brushing, and not flossing, you’re only cleaning 60 percent of your teeth. This means that without flossing, 40% of the surfaces of your teeth are NEVER clean!
- Harvard Medical School researchers studied longevity (living long) and found one of the most important contributing factors was daily flossing. Because it removes bacteria from the teeth and gums, flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis.
- Another study found that men with periodontitis had a whopping 72% greater risk of developing coronary disease.
- There is also a possible association of gum disease with a series of potentially life-threatening disorders. Scientific evidence now exists that strongly suggests associations between poor periodontal (gum) health and these systemic illnesses:
Heart Disease
Oral bacteria may compromise cardiovascular (heart) health by promoting the formation of blood clots and fatty deposits. Periodontitis (infection in the gums) has been implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes
Periodontal diseases may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar . In addition, diabetics with periodontitis are more likely to have heart attacks than those with healthy gums.
Respiratory Disease
Oral infections, including periodontitis, are associated with increased risk of respiratory infection and endocarditis, especially in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
So, I said it was a pointless attempt because a lot of people could care less about their own health. So if you’re not convinced to take care of yourself, at least do it for your significant other.
Here’s how it affects your significant other:
- Gum disease can pass through saliva, so kissing your loved ones can put them at risk of contracting gum disease.
- And the most obvious: BAD BREATH. Garlic breath, I can handle. Onion breath, you’re forgiven. Morning breath doesn’t make it past the first brushing. Years of plaque on your teeth creating a living orifice of infection and reeking of decay? Not excusable. There is one fact: Periodontal or gum disease is a bacterial infection.
Let me put it this way:
Dating a guy who doesn’t floss is like regularly making out with a bacterial infection.
So please refrain from calling me high-maintenance and picky.
Given the statistics, I might be single forever. Statistics show that fewer that ten percent of the population ever flosses regularly or effectively. This is my sad little attempt at trying to increase this statistic!
Sources: http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/flossing.htm
September 4th, 2007 at 2:49 am
I used to have horrible oral hygiene and sometimes I do still have problems, but I think I have done significantly better since learning that there is a strong correlation between gum health and circulatory health.
March 17th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
[...] We just happen to love kissing men and insist that the recipient of our kisses provide a hygienic welcome. Personally, I don’t care if a man has a jacked-up grill. It’s how you take care of it, really. ~ from Dating Advice From a Girl [...]
June 21st, 2009 at 1:05 am
OMG! I aways brush my teeth 2 times in the morning and evening but never frossing. I just know it clean only 60% thank you for your tips.
October 25th, 2009 at 12:26 am
I can just brush teeth and use listerine…jezzz soo picky…girl your high maintenance.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Wow! We have similar tastes (when it comes to men and flossing, I mean). And I thought I was picky!
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Hey there. I like your post.
April 30th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Bad breath or halitosis can be easily elimated by using mouthwash with hexetidine or triclosan.**,
July 15th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I rinse with a tiny bit of Hydrogen Peroxide after a good floss. Cost = about a dollar per year. Doesn’t taste so good but very effective plus it whitens. My 3 1/2 yr old just loves to watch the look on my face after spitting it out. Do not swallow; it is posionous if swallowed.
July 15th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Oh ya – always store hyrogen peroxide out of children’s reach and teach them.
August 11th, 2010 at 9:57 am
one of the most effective solution for bad breath is none other than Bactidol, it really helps ..~
August 15th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Halitosis can be stopped by just using some extra strength mouthwash-.”
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October 17th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
my bad breath have been resolved by taking a swish of rock salt after every meal”.’
January 5th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Haha.. i think this should apply to both men and women..
February 2nd, 2011 at 10:22 am
Hm.. this is probably subjective. Though i have to admit.. good dental habits are very important!
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