Every year on November 19, people around the world take a moment to celebrate the men and boys in their lives — to recognize their kindness, strength, and all the ways they make a difference. International Men’s Day is also a time to pause and think about men’s health — not just physical fitness, but mental, emotional, and oral health too.
At Finlayson Dental here in Victoria, we see this day as a gentle reminder to check in with the men in our community — and to remind them to check in on themselves. Oral health often takes a back seat when life gets busy, but it’s an important part of feeling your best and staying healthy overall.
In this post, we’ll talk about why men’s oral health matters, the challenges many men face in keeping up with dental care, and a few simple ways to protect your smile — and your health — for years to come.
Why Men’s Health Matters
Statistics show that men in Canada face distinct health-risks. According to Statistics Canada, in 2021 the age-standardized premature mortality rate from preventable causes for males was significantly higher than for females. Statistics Canada Men are more likely to engage in behaviours such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, and less healthy eating that contribute to poorer outcomes. Statistics Canada
Moreover, the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation notes that about 70% of men’s health problems can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
What this means for us in the dental-hygiene world is that oral health is far from a niche topic: it is a vital component of men’s health, and all the more important because men may face added obstacles or tendencies that delay care.
Men’s Oral Health – The Overlooked Component
It may be tempting to think of dental visits and brushing as everyday things — and indeed they are — but the reality is that men often fare worse than women when it comes to certain oral-health metrics. For example:
Men are more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease, higher tooth-loss rates, and more severe dental caries, in part because of less frequent dental visits, poorer oral-hygiene habits, and higher rates of risk behaviours (smoking, alcohol). aaosh.org
The Canadian Dental Association notes that in Canada, about 7 in 10 persons brush their teeth at least twice a day, and only ~30% floss at least five times a week. Breaking it down by gender: whereas women and girls reported about 76% brushing at least twice a day, men and boys reported about 65%. And only ~26% of men and boys flossed five times a week, versus ~34% of women. Statistics Canada
According to the Canadian government’s “Smile: Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body” booklet, men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer. Canada.ca
In short: It’s not just the smile. It’s the system behind it: the gums, the jaw, the mouth tissue, the connections to overall health. And for many men the risk is higher.
Why This Matters to the Whole Body
Oral health isn’t isolated. As the booklet from Health Canada explains, bacteria in plaque (and resulting gum-disease) can contribute to systemic issues — from cardiovascular disease to respiratory issues. Canada.ca
In practical terms: when the gums are inflamed, or when infection is present, the body is under stress. Men who perhaps already face higher risk of heart disease, diabetes or other chronic conditions may compound the effect by neglecting oral health. Also, untreated issues can affect eating, speech, self-confidence, and overall quality of life.
Barriers Men Face in Oral Health
Understanding the “why” behind the statistics is key to making change. Some of the barriers that men commonly face:
Lifestyle and prioritization: Men may be more likely to delay care or dismiss non-urgent symptoms (“It’s just a little bleeding gum” or “I’ll get to it later”). This results in more advanced disease at the time of presentation.
Behavioural risk-factors: Smoking, heavier alcohol-use, less frequent brushing/flossing, and potentially higher consumption of sugary/starchy snacks can all increase risk. aaosh.org
Access/Cost issues: Although cost-barriers apply broadly, men with less frequent use of dental insurance or who are self-employed may delay care. According to Statistics Canada a recent study found 24% of Canadians aged 12+ avoided an oral-health visit at least once in the last year because of cost. Statistics Canada
Under-use of preventive care: Men are often less likely to use the dental office for prevention and more likely to show up when problems are already advanced. aaosh.org
So celebrating International Men’s Day is not just about saying “Happy day!” It’s about saying: Let’s rethink how we support the men in our lives to make oral health part of their overall health plan.
What Men Can Do – Simple, Practical Steps
Here are actionable, clinic-friendly tips that we like to share with our male patients — and that you can share with the men in your life (father, brother, partner, friend).
1. Make an appointment — even if nothing is painful.
Early-stage gum disease and cavities often don’t cause pain until advanced. A check-up every six months (or as advised) means less risk and less cost in the long run. Prevention is easier than treatment.
2. Commit to brushing + flossing daily — and do it properly.
From Health Canada’s guide: brush two minutes, twice a day, including tongue surface; floss once a day to reach between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t. Canada.ca
3. Know the risk-factors and avoid them where possible.
Quit smoking or using tobacco — one of the greatest single things someone can do for oral and overall health.
Limit alcohol where possible; combined with tobacco, risk of oral cancer climbs markedly.
Eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer sugary/starchy snacks — diet affects the oral environment.
Protect lips from sun exposure (men who work outdoors are exposed). Canada.ca
4. Self-check your mouth occasionally.
Look for signs such as: sores or patches that don’t heal within two weeks; red or white patches; lumps on lips, tongue or neck; persistent bad breath; gums that are red/swollen or bleed when brushing. Early detection of issues such as oral cancer dramatically improves outcomes. Canada.ca
5. Talk openly about oral health and overall health.
Don’t treat dental care as separate from health: share with your partner, family, or friends that you’re going for your check-up. Encourage the men you know: a shared appointment, or “I’m going — we’ll go together” makes a difference.
How We Support You, At Our Clinic in Victoria
At Finlayson Dental we understand the busy lives of men in our community — whether you’re a dad, a coach, a worker in construction, or simply juggling many roles. Here’s how we try to make things easier:
Flexible scheduling: Early mornings, evening slots — so you don’t have to choose between work/family and oral health.
Clear communication: We explain findings in plain language, including how what we see in your mouth may link to overall health.
Preventive focus: Our hygiene visits include gum-screening, discussion of habits (smoking, alcohol, diet, oral hygiene) and tailored plans.
Comfortable environment: We strive to create a welcoming space, no pressure, no “shame” — just practical, supportive care.
Family connection: If you’re a dad bringing your children, or you’re coming in with your partner, we welcome and support that involvement. Healthy oral habits start at home and spread through families.
A Call to Action — Today & Beyond
So on this International Men’s Day, what can you do right now to honour your health and the health of the men you care about?
If it’s been more than 6–12 months since your last dental check-up, book one today.
Make a promise to floss tonight — even one floss session gets you started.
Talk to a male family-member or friend: “Hey, when was your last dental check-up? Let’s go together.”
If you smoke or drink heavily, consider it an oral-health red-flag; ask your hygienist or dentist to talk you through specific risk-reduction.
Keep this in mind: oral health is not separate from your body’s health. A healthy mouth supports a healthy body and a healthy life.
Final Thoughts
Men build communities. Men nurture families. They work hard. They give. They show up. On International Men’s Day, let’s ensure that they also show up for their own health — including the health of their smile and their mouth.
At Finlayson Dental, we’re honoured to partner with the men in Victoria in that mission. We’re here to provide care, advice, support and a friendly face — in a place where your health and comfort matter.
Here’s to men’s health. Here’s to strong teeth, strong gums, strong lives. Let’s make oral health one more win in your health toolbox.
Happy International Men’s Day!
