Men 33% Less Likely Than Women To Seek Preventive Dental Care: Whats Up, Dude?
YES, YOU’RE PRETTY TOUGH… You kill it at work, you’re a remarkable significant other, you’re training for your next triathlon, and you volunteer at the soup kitchen on weekends. But guess what? You’re no match for gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer without a little assistance.
Men’s Oral Health Risks Are Higher
Medications
Do you take medication for a heart condition, or to regulate blood pressure? Because this is more common in men than women, men are more likely to suffer dry-mouth side effects—and dry mouth increases gum disease and cavity risk.Tobacco and/or Alcohol Consumption
Men tend to consume more alcohol than women, which greatly increases oral cancer risk.Routine Oral Hygiene
Men are less likely than women to brush twice a day. Score: Men 66%, Women 86%. C’mon guys…Regular Checkups
According to a 2011 study, women are almost twice as likely as men to have received a regular dental check-up in the past year.Your Oral Health Is Connected To Your Body Health
Consider these facts:- Some studies have linked periodontal disease to heart problems, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
- Men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely to get kidney cancer, and 54% more likely to get pancreatic cancer.
- Gum inflammation is connected to prostate inflammation which affects many men as they age.
- Oral cancer kills one person every hour, and the majority of those are men. Screenings during regular check-ups is the best preventive strategy.