Top Dental Concerns for Men
Designated as Men’s Health Month (and with Father’s Day), we dedicate June to the fathers and father figures in our lives. That means it’s a great time to encourage the men closest to us to refocus on their health, including their oral health!
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, men are less likely than women to see their dentist regularly. In addition:
- The average man is less likely to brush his teeth after every meal (20.5% compared with 28.7% for women).
- The average man is less likely to brush his teeth twice a day (49% compared with 56.8% for women).
- Men are more likely to have untreated dental decay than women (29% compared with 25% for women, age 35-44)
In fact, research shows that many don’t go to the dentist unless they have a dental emergency. That might be why they’re more likely to suffer from the following chronic dental problems:
Top Dental Concerns for Men:
- Gum Disease. Men are much more likely than women to develop gum disease, a condition that causes tooth loss and other general health issues such as heart disease, respiratory problems, certain cancers, and poor prostate health.
- Oral Cancer. More than 53,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, with men being twice as likely to have the diagnosis than women and four times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer. Fortunately, oral cancer can be treated (and cured) if it’s caught early. One more reason everyone should see their dentist regularly!
- Necessary Advanced Dental Treatments. Skipping dental appointments causes major problems to your teeth and over time, eventually requiring advanced dental treatment like root canals, crowns and tooth extraction. When plaque builds up on teeth over time, it greatly increases the risk of tooth decay. If the decay is not treated, it only goes deeper into the tooth, causing the need for a root canal. If the decay is left untreated for even longer, it may become too damaged to repair, needing removal.
Practicing good oral hygiene is all about prevention. That’s because professional cleanings remove plaque buildup that regular brushing and flossing at home doesn’t, preventing problems from occurring in the first place.
So this month, let him know you care and encourage the man in your life to make an appointment with Vacendak Dentistry! We’re open for appointments, practicing federal and ADA compliance and treating our patients’ health with utmost priority. Don’t forget to wear your mask!
