Often I hear wives and girlfriends complain their guy never flosses. When nagged, they complain they're just too busy or it's not important or needed, with an explanation that a quick brushing once or so a day is enough to do the job. They also have to be coerced to go to the dentist, unless they are in major pain. Routine check-ups are just not on the preferred agenda for most men.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the average man will lose 5.4 teeth by the age of 72. If he smokes or chews tobacco, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by the age of 72. Men are also more likely to develop oral and throat cancer.

Approximately 40,000 new cases are reported each year; men are twice as likely to be at risk than women.

With the new research connecting gum disease to coronary vascular disease, there is a higher risk for strokes and heart attacks.

Gum disease can no longer be regarded as "just a little bleeding when I brush".   Chronic inflammation, which has been linked to many systemic diseases such as AIDS, general fatigue, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, is a characteristic of gum disease.

Snoring is common among men. More than 60 percent of men snore between the ages of 41- 65. Snoring can be deadly when accompanied with sleep apnea. Most people don't realize it can be easily treated with an appliance made by the dentist that's worn over the teeth.

This helps open the airway, allowing air to flow freely, while preventing the snoring sound. If sleep apnea is present, then you need to consult a physician.

Sleep apnea is when breathing stops for a few seconds. If not treated, it can worsen, resulting in death.

Sports injuries are also common to men that affect the mouth. More than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw every year can be prevented with a simple mouthguard. Jaw fractures, broken teeth, lacerations to mouth tissues and neck injuries are just some of the results of these sports accidents.

Recommendations for men's oral health

Routine dental visits take maybe an hour or two every three to six months. Put it on your calendar and just do it. With the studies confirming the relationship of gum disease to cardiovascular disease, it may just save your life. Don't wait until something hurts,

get a checkup to prevent problems.

Teeth tend to darken with age, smoking, wine and other types of food or liquids. It's easy to bolster your professional image by whitening your teeth. Professional treatments are better than

over-the-counter kits. They're regulated and recommended by the dentist based on your particular needs including strength of the whitening agent.

Stop all tobacco related products. There are tobacco cessation programs your dentist can recommend. There is a strong link between dental implants and cosmetic dentistry failure and

tobacco use.

If you snore, ask your dentist for an evaluation and treatment options.

If you're involved in sports, get a custom fitted mouthguard from your dentist. It'll save you money and pain.

Practice good oral hygiene. This will improve or prevent bad breath.

Just think of your mouth as the secret gateway to your health, and don't put it last on your health list, but first.