| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 4/30/2008 5:51:27 AM | I think the OP has a good point, I just think she should not limit it to men. I moved to TN about six months ago and worked in an plant that had a lot of employees from rural areas. I have never seen so many f'ed up mouths in my life!
Do these people not brush, or what? I'm serious. I am not trying to bash these people, but honest to god I have never seen that many people with noticeable rot on their teeth. The only thing I could think of was besides not brushing and flossing was perhaps they had well water, which of course would not be fluorinated.
I would date someone with crooked teeth, but rotten teeth is just disgusting to me. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 4/30/2008 7:05:58 AM | So, can I get a pass here on account of a note from my doctor?
From wikipedia:
While the use of fluorides for prevention of dental caries was discussed in the 19th century in Europe, community water fluoridation in the United States owes its origin in part to the research of Dr. Frederick McKay, who pressed the dental community for an investigation into what was then known as "Colorado brown stain." The condition, now known as dental fluorosis, when in its severe form is characterized by cracking and pitting of the teeth. In 1909, of the 2,945 children seen by Dr. McKay, 87.5% had some degree of stain or mottling. All the affected children were from the Pikes Peak region [where yours truly resides]. Despite having a negative impact on the physical appearance of their teeth, the children with stained or mottled teeth also had fewer cavities than other children. McKay brought the problem to the attention of Dr. G.V. Black, and Black's interest into the Colorado stain led to greater interest throughout the dental profession. [emphasis mine] /end quote
To this day, we still have some of the more rabid anti-fluoridation kooks (it's all a commie plot, etc....) here in the Pikes Peak region.
Some people are quite sensitive to even small amounts of fluoride in the water they consume. The staining is not just on the surface of the teeth, since the fluoride has its effect internally as tooth material is created and it is incorporated throughout the body of the tooth. Thus, no amount of cleaning or bleaching will have any effect on removing the graying fluoride typically causes.
The only real remedy is to get off the 'contaminated' water supply, but store bought de-ionized water costs 2-3 times what gasoline costs (and some companies are adding fluoride back into their bottled water to make up for the loss). Lots of people around here pay for those water cooler jug type services or install filtration units at their taps. It's too expensive for the municipal water company to remove the excess fluoride for all the water which goes through the system, very little of which is consumed internally. And, yes, using a non-fluoridated toothpaste helps, but it's thought very little fluoride is absorbed this way. Some people in other parts of the country argue that water companies add way too much fluoride to the water than is really called for based on the science/epidemiology of tooth decay prevention, so people should look into their local supply's breakdown analysis. According to wikipedia, there is a CDC (Nat'l Center for Disease Control) database for researching the water fluoridation status of neighborhood water.
So, I'm just saying people should keep in mind that non-perfect looking teeth may not be the cause of neglect, or of buying toys over dentistry services, rather than merely assume the worst.
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 4/30/2008 7:32:52 AM |
I have never met a guy (even one with perfect teeth) bring a toothbrush or floss to work.
I've got both in my desk right now.
But... I freaking HATE going to the dentist more than just about anything else but force myself to do so occasionally and would definitely do so if I was missing teeth or had visible decay. That's just me, others may not see it tat way.
I agree with a previous poster, if it is that important to you, you need to make sure everyone is aware of it right from the start. Say, "A nice, white smile is very important to me" or something like that.
Second, where are you finding these guys that it's so bad? Exchange pictures with the above mentioned "smiles" in them beforehand. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 4/30/2008 11:32:47 AM | My teeth are straight (hello, braces!) and pretty white (just like the rest of me). However, I inherited my mom's side of the family when it came to everything else chompers.
They're decalcifying and wearing down at a surprising rate. If I don't brush, I get cavities. If I do brush, my teeth wear away at the gumline (and I still get cavities). I've already lost one due to a root canal (it's capped) and another just simply cracked in half and lost itself a good chunk a few weeks ago. I'll get it fixed eventually. My teeth are also jammed too close together for flossing to really be effective without destroying it trying to get it between them.
Couple that with a bad period in my life where I couldn't afford medical insurance and it's basically gotten to the point where I brush once or twice a day, use mouthwash/anti-cavity rinse and hope for the best. I do take care of my teeth - but they just don't seem to give a flip. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 4/30/2008 3:38:52 PM | I'm not a fan of women who put either material things or somebody's teeth as the prime criteria for relationships. I unfortunately can't tell that as easily by looking at their smiles as you can by looking at guys. Consider yourself lucky! Just say you feel no chemistry to them and most guys will shrug it off. There's really no way to politely ask somebody over the phone how hygenic their mouth is. It'll sound shallow.
Maybe you realize how silly your criteria are in the sense that you have trouble asking it over the phone. If you can say it with no trouble say it. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 6:42:29 AM |
First of all you have to make a phone call, schedule an appointment, turn up on time...
Horrors! But you'll do it for a hairstyle or to get shots for your pet or to get your car fixed, no problem, right?
Then you have to lie back, passive, accept judgement, let someone else be in control, allow someone to cause you pain without fighting back...
As is the case with pretty much all medical procedures. You must just love getting the internal exam & PAP smear  The price you pay for not 'submitting' is poor health; not an intelligent choice, IMHO.
It's not exactly 'manly' to care so much about your health or your appearance that you would be willing to make efforts such as this to maintain a small aspect of it.
Hello? Please tell me you're joking. It's not 'manly' to stick your head in the sand and pretend that medical problems will go away. It's not 'manly' to be afraid of dentists.
Your weight is more likely to kill you than your teeth
Well, actually, studies are showing that mouth disease correlates with other disease, particularly heart disease. If you have inflammation in your mouth, then you are hurting your own health.
teeth naturally go yellow with age
However, tea, coffee, colas, and red wine will cause them to go yellow years before you actually start aging. I have very strong teeth but they stain easily. I am ashamed to say they got to a really nasty stage of yellow before I paid attention. Got them bleached and I keep it up and get compliments on the smile all the time. I just do not see why, when there are so many products available, someone would be satisfied with looking at a yellowed set of choppers in the mirror. It just looks dirty. Would you go around with chocolate stains on your mouth from your last cake binge? A stain is a stain is a stain - it should be removed wherever it happens to be, including your teeth.
the graying fluoride typically causes.
Huh? I think the Wiki article was written by the anti-fluoride bunch. I grew up in a city with fluoridated water. Nobody I know has gray teeth because of it. Maybe in the old days they over-fluoridated but it's a different era now. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 7:23:47 AM | | When I came to this country I had perfectly healthy teeth. But a year after all of my teeth started dying. And back then I did not have dental insuranse. So I worked hard a payed a lot of cash to fix all of my teeth(i have problems with every one of them, not sure if its difference in water or what). Only to find out that i have low teeth and will only be able to put crowns on them twice before I ll need to delete them all and put implants. So here I am. Finished college have a decent job, enough money to fix my teeth. But it would take me 30,000$ just to put crowns on all of them now. And then I would have to put new ones in 4-5 years. So that would be a lot of money really. Right now I have to choose between that and my 4 year college education. So I choose education. In the end I will have to delete all of my teeth anyway. Atleast education won't go away. And yes I know that I won't ever be able to get a date. I accepted that fact and can live with it. Not everyone is born to be healthy in this world =) | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 7:34:51 AM | Nice teeth are always attractive, and crooked teeth can be attractive also. Depends on the persons facial features and what fits. What''s really unattractive and sickining is uncared for teeth. Yellow, not flossed[biggie], rotting teeth are discusting. It amazes me that in these times alot of people don't have a clue about flossing or dental hygiene. Nothing worse than kissing someone that hasn't flossed all the crap out of their teeth, or taste like an ashtray..yuk.....  ....now everybody brush | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 10:33:27 AM |
the graying fluoride typically causes. Huh? I think the Wiki article was written by the anti-fluoride bunch.
I didn't get that from the article at all.
Maybe what you missed was that fluoride levels are set to prevent cavities in kids, without much regard to its effects on adults, one of which is that it can cause teeth to gray in some people.
I grew up in a city with fluoridated water. Nobody I know has gray teeth because of it. Maybe in the old days they over-fluoridated but it's a different era now.
"They" varies with location since the level of fluoridation varies, so it can't be dismissed entirely for everyone. That was all I'm saying.
You can always spot a relative newcomer to this area because their teeth are 'too' white. It's a dead give away -- and a good opening 'line'... "Your teeth are so white - you must be new around here..." | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 2:36:17 PM | | They don't want to put their money where their mouth is. They figure they can get the toy and still get women where as if they got the teeth fixed still maybe no women. The toys attract the women. I know this guy that has no teeth but guess what, he's got a cheap harley. He is never without a woman and they go crazy just to ride with him. lol | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 2:59:19 PM | I take great pride in my teeth, ok however they have probs, not all single mother's back in the 70's with 3 kids could afford braces etc, so I grew up with 3 crooked teeth, I have no real interest in getting them fixed this late in life or if it could even be done? but other than that I see a dentist all the time, My teeth have been regularly cleaned, they're strong, and the best they can be, I take good care of them, I have yet to have a cavity my entire life, its called pride, self image and caring about yourself, and what you have... toothpaste, mouthwash reg visits to dentist , and flossing do wonders, it's basic , and easy, and what's worse?
preventing neglect?, or dealing with a avalanche of teeth problems due to neglect later in life? I'd prefer to choose the first option, preventive maintenance and the confidence of at least good clean healthy teeth and gums, and the fresh breathe that goes with them | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 4:50:58 PM | Well, my teeth aren't pretty, but they're not real ugly either. I'm missing one eye tooth, pulled out when I was a kid. Makes for an uneven smile. Sure, I could have 'em all capped, but there's really nothing wrong with my teeth, other than they look a bit uneven. And my addiction to those bad old staining fluids (caffeine enhancers) guarantee that they will never be perfect white, even though I brush them regularly. Now, I have two caps, so bleaching won't work either, because they won't bleach the same color as the rest of the teeth. Bottom line, my teeth work, and I'm healthy. I don't have a perfect smile, and never will.
That said, some guys buy their 'toys' because they enjoy them. Exactly what can you do with a perfect set of choppers? Eat three times a day for maybe half an hour each? Then what? Sit in the living room and look in the mirror all day at those lovely teeth? Or....take a ride on a bike, sports car, etc.. Activities are more important to guys than how we look. I know, it's kind of the reverse for a lot of women. And I know it's because of how much it matters on how good you look. But for us, it's not exactly the same. Different for guys and girls. That's just the way the world is. OP, if perfect teeth are the most important thing to you, just say so. We understand. There are some things that are important to us to. And those who are offended, really, too bad now. No one can be attractive to everyone. Now getting off my soapbox to enjoy a tall Diet Coke, the caramel staining be damned. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 4:53:59 PM | $$$$$$$$$$ and the hell of sitting in the dentist chair is my guess. Also, teeth aren't as important to them as it is you.
Is it rude to ask people over the phone if they have a hygenic mouth?
No, just stupid if you're trying to make a good impression. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 5:03:28 PM | | its, gross, and nasty, if your teeth are all missing and brown, yuck,,,,, ick, ick ick, maybe we should ask when there last dental exam was, LOL, | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 5:08:16 PM | I was fortunate to have a good set of chops without needing braces and still have all of them intact and take care of them because I know that I couldn't deal with a girl who's mouth looks like a bear trap. It's just filthy.
And to all the guys who say it isn't "manly" to take care of your teeth, your insecurity is showing, might wanna fix that. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 6:47:39 PM | | My dental hygienist says that my dental health is great. Oh yes my upper partial plate, that I needed after a car wreak was great also. Your fake boobs, match your fake personality. I don't need to impress anyone, as you do! Oh yes the woman do like to ride with a real man. Not like a fake person as yourself. One who always has to impress men to get them to notice you. | |
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Bunked
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Joined: 12/16/2007
Msg: 72 | |
| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/1/2008 8:27:46 PM | | For myself I don't have any dental plan and its been years since I have gone to the dentist but I always brush twice a day. I have needed braces for years and my problem is not only the cost but having to wear those things for a few years. And the only reason for me to get them is for a women? But if some woman asked me about my teeth on the phone all you would hear is click. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/2/2008 7:49:11 AM | "So... How's your teeth?"
***Click***
Shallow...
Not everyone has been gifted with a great set of chompers. On top of that look at their upbringing. Did their parents have the $$$$$ for braces or dental? It's considered "Cosmetic" by insurance companies. With all the improvments in dental, the cost still is prohibitive for a lot of people without insurance. How many jobs offer Dental? Most will offer a "Discounted" dental and make it sound like a big deal. It's hard to get good coverage these days and paying out of pocket is usually not an option. Let's see... Teeth or Gas? Wonderful choices we have these days.
Rather than complain about people not taking care of their teeth, complain to your government that they don't set requirements for companies to offer health insurance in this country. How teeth can be considered "Cosmetic" is beyond me. What are they, optional now too?
The cost of Dental has sky-rocketed as more people regard a nice smile as important. IMO, the OP's basic attitude of intolerance just feeds into this problem. Yes, it's important to a degree that you are attracted to them but there's more to people than a set of teeth. What happens when you get old and they fall out or you get stretch marks or fat? What happens if you get into a car accident and lose a limb or an eye? What happens if it happened to your SO? Would you leave them? Should they leave you now that you're not perfect and attractive anymore?
If it's a deal breaker with you mention it in your profile. I'm sure all those guys that you complained about would have liked some warning about your preference ahead of time. They might have avoided meeting you and saved themselves some time, effort and money. It would be the fair thing to do, being honest and up-front and all that.
Good luck. | |
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| Why do so many men neglect their dental health
Posted: 5/3/2008 5:20:43 AM | Everyone is so quick to judge the OP on this....She was not talking about a few teeth that are out of place she was talking about people who do not take care of them at all. call us shallow I dont think so...you can have the best of everything else but when you open your mouth it ruins it..and that also goes for someone who is so good looking and doesn't know how to have a conversation.. ...Smile is important it does not have to be perfect that is not what she was saying.........who wants to kiss someone who has yellow and disgusting teeth..and its funny i never thought people would tell all about their dental problems on this thread..too funny....
"always smile because you never know who is falling in love with your smile"............ | |
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