Have you ever wondered if gender affects how you should care for your teeth? With June being Men’s National Health Month and Father’s Day this past Sunday June 18th, it’s something that got us thinking. Men’s oral health and women’s oral health is generally the same: brush twice a day for two minutes, floss at least once, etcetera, etcetera. But overall, men tend to have higher rates of gum disease, tooth loss and oral infections. Why is this?
We found some interesting stats on men’s oral health and what you can do about it.
So here are some dental tips and tricks for men everywhere.
Dry mouth
Did you know that men are at a much higher risk for heart disease and high blood pressure? It’s important because it means men more commonly experience dry mouth caused by these health concerns as well as medications used to treat them. Being a big factor in why our teeth decay as we age and produce less saliva, the premature dry mouth men experience causes more rapid decaying than women. Try to drink lots of water and use a moistening mouthwash to help combat a parched grin.
No pain, no problem
According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), men are less likely than women to visit a dentist regularly. Preventative dentistry, like regular check-ups and cleanings, are important for catching oral issues early. So don’t just wait until there’s a noticeable problem you could have avoided and keep up to date with your dentist.
Men’s oral health, don’t just brush it off
A recent survey shows that half of men brush their teeth only once a day. Also, 34% of men from 30 – 54 years old suffer from gum disease compared to just 23% of women. Being that irregular brushing and flossing is the biggest factor in developing gum disease, it’s probably not a coincidence. So don’t forego this twice-a-day dental ritual.
Check yourself
Did you know that men are diagnosed with oral cancer twice as often as women? Whether it’s caused by chewing tobacco, smoking, alcohol consumption or maybe even none of the above, it’s something to watch out for. The good news is men have larger, longer tongues than women on average, so checking to make sure your tongue is in good health is easier. Healthy tongues are pink, firm and don’t have any unusual bumps or sore/dry spots. And if you experience anything that looks or feels strange, book an appointment with us and we’ll be happy to take a look!
