Men’s Health Week, observed June 15-21, 2026, is designed to encourage men to stop treating preventive health care like an optional side quest. And while annual physicals, cholesterol checks and prostate exams tend to get most of the attention, two of the most overlooked appointments for men remain eye exams and dental visits.
Men are statistically less likely than women to seek preventive health care, including vision and dental care. In fact, men are 24% less likely to schedule regular checkups, which means conditions are often caught later, when treatment becomes more difficult, invasive and expensive.
Unfortunately, vision and dental health can quietly signal much bigger health problems long before anything else feels wrong. Those itchy, irritated eyes and that bleeding gumline may not be as harmless as many guys think.
Some of the most serious eye diseases don’t announce themselves at all. Glaucoma can steal vision silently, without pain or early warning signs, while diabetic retinopathy damages eye blood vessels long before changes are obvious. Men also face higher risks for retinal conditions like central serous retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa, conditions that can blur vision, shrink peripheral sight and eventually lead to blindness.
Men are also three times more likely than women to suffer eye injuries, often from workplace accidents, home projects, yard work or sports. Translation: those safety glasses in the garage aren’t decorative.
Dental health can be just as revealing.
Research continues to connect gum disease to a growing list of broader health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes and even erectile dysfunction. Studies have also found potential links between periodontal disease and prostate health.
It turns out the mouth can function a bit like a medical crystal ball.
The reason is inflammation. When gum disease develops, bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and may contribute to issues throughout the body. Sometimes, oral health problems can signal early warning signs of other systemic issues. That is why dentists look beyond cavities during exams, also spotting signs related to overall health and wellness.
Plus, Poor oral health can impact confidence, relationships and even dating. Survey data continues to show bad breath, visible decay and neglected teeth rank among the top dating deal breakers for both men and women.
The good news? Small habits can make a big difference.
Believe it or not, activities like golf can support oral and vision health. Time outdoors encourages distance-focused vision work, while physical activity helps reduce inflammation and stress, both of which can contribute to health issues tied to the eyes and gums.
Everyday choices like sugary sports drinks, heavy drinking and tobacco use can raise the risk of both vision and oral health problems. For many men, these habits are easy to overlook, but small changes matter. Staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-rich diet with leafy greens, omega-3s and vitamin C can support eye and gum health over time.
Protecting the eyes can be simple. Wearing sunglasses and a hat helps shield them from ultraviolet exposure, which increases the risk of cataracts and retinal damage. That matters even more in sunny climates like Arizona, where daily sun exposure adds up.
Oral health depends on consistency. Brushing twice a day for two full minutes, flossing daily and keeping up with dental cleanings can make a real difference. Even when nothing hurts, especially when nothing hurts, since gum disease often starts quietly and may already be advanced by the time symptoms appear.
The bottom line: toughing it out is not a health care strategy.
A routine eye exam can catch early signs of diabetes, hypertension and neurological conditions. A dental exam can reveal inflammation, infection and risks tied to cardiovascular disease and other systemic conditions. Both appointments are quick and offer protection beyond cosmetics.
For men, holistic preventive care can help protect long-term health, confidence, independence and quality of life.
Sarah Sharits is the corporate communications manager at Delta Dental of Arizona, a health and wellness company providing affordable dental and vision benefits to individuals, families and businesses throughout the state. For more information, visit deltadentalaz.org.