As much as we strive for equality among the sexes, there is a definite imbalance between men and women when it comes to dental health. That’s bad news for you men out there, because studies consistently show that your dental health may be putting your overall health in danger. At Dental Solutions of Mississippi, we want you to be informed about your dental health so you can properly care for your teeth and reduce your chances of a major health catastrophe.
The Facts
Studies conducted by the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and other heavy-hitters in the research community, indicate that lifestyle choices are largely to blame for men’s poor dental health. Some of the facts that have been revealed by this research include:
- Men are 8% less likely than women to brush twice a day. They’re even less likely to brush after every meal.
- Men are 11% more likely to suffer from gum disease than women.
- Men are twice as likely than women to engage in behaviors (smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking) that cause cancer.
- Men require more maintenance medications for heart disease and blood pressure, resulting in a dry mouth. Because saliva naturally irrigates the teeth and gums, those who suffer from dry mouth are more likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease.
- Men are less likely to see a dentist for prevention. Instead, men tend to visit their dentists only when something is wrong.
The Good News
For the most part, everything on the list above can be changed. Men can brush after every meal, hydrate to prevent dry mouth, see their dentists semi-annually, and avoid tobacco products and drinking in excess. We know all of those lifestyle changes are easier said than done, so here is one last fact to inspire you to improve your dental health: Oral diseases such as periodontitis and tooth decay are closely linked with potentially fatal health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If that alone doesn’t motivate you, think about the people who love you and count on you.
If you’re ready to make a change in your dental health, contact Dental Solutions of Mississippi to schedule an appointment. We won’t judge or lecture; we just want to restore your dental health so that you’ll be around for years to come. If you live in or near Canton, Mississippi, let us be part of your healthcare team.