5 reasons men should pay attention to their oral health
Posted on 14th May 2019 at 09:57
The premise that men are from Mars and women are from Venus may also be true when it comes to oral health – men fare worse in most aspects of dental health, including rates of gum disease and they are more likely to lose teeth. Here are some of the reasons men need to pay more attention to their dental routine.
1. They’re not invincible
A recent study by the Oral Health Foundation found that more than three in five (62%) of men regret not taking better care of their oral health earlier in life. One of the main reasons for this is that men typically avoid visiting the dentist unless they have a problem that causes pain. This can result in years of neglect that cause significant oral health issues later in life.
2. Men are less diligent about dental hygiene
Compared to women, men are not as vigilant about keeping on top of their dental hygiene. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 8% more women brush their teeth twice a day than men, and men are more likely to have untreated dental decay – 56% of men aged between 55 and 90 suffer from gum or periodontal disease compared with 44% of women.
3. Men are more likely to suffer heart problems
Evidence from recent studies suggests a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, meaning that if you don’t take care of your teeth you increase the risk of serious health conditions including heart attack and stroke. Since men are more likely to suffer from heart problems than women, taking preventative measures to avoid gum disease is particularly important. At Park Dental Care, or highly trained hygienists are here to discuss the best oral hygiene methods with you as part of your professional hygiene treatment.
4. Men take more risks
From using teeth as bottle openers to playing intensive, high-contact sports, men are typically at a higher risk of mouth injuries than women. One of the most important preventative factors for anyone playing high intensity sports such as hockey or rugby is to wear a custom mouthguard to protect teeth and gums.
5. Men have a higher chance of developing oral cancer
Lifestyle choices such as smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol increase the risk of developing oral cancer, which most commonly occurs in men over 40 years of age. Rates of oral cancer are significantly higher for men than women, and if you are in a high-risk category it’s important to have regular dental checkups. Your dentist here at Park Dental Care can thoroughly examine the tissue in your mouth for any signs of oral cancer during your regular dental exam and ensure that any signs of disease are treated at the earliest possible opportunity.
At Park Dental Care, we offer a compassionate and personal service to all our clients. We welcome new patients so whether you are in need of a regular checkup or are concerned about a potential dental issue, give us a call to book your appointment today.
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