Are Men More Likely Than Women to Have Gum Disease?

In “Why Men Face More Gum Problems Than Women,” Dr. Ovadia Chocron explains some of the reasons why men do present with gum disease more often than women.

In a nutshell:

• Tobacco use: More men are still vaping, smoking and chewing tobacco as compared to women.
• Testosterone levels: Too little or too much testosterone can raise your risk of gum disease.
• Dental visits: Men statistically see their dental professionals less often. 🙁
• Alcohol consumption: On average, men drink more heavily than women, and alcohol dehydrates.

Your Gum Health is Linked to Your Overall Health

Being more proactive about oral health helps you keep your smile healthier and more attractive. Prioritizing your oral health can also potentially help you avoid systemic health issues that affect your overall health. The bacteria from serious gum disease (periodontitis), for instance, is linked to dementia, heart disease, and respiratory issues.

The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that men with periodontal disease are at increased risk of developing impotence. Men are also more likely than women to develop kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers.

Prioritizing Your Oral Health

What’s known as the mouth-body connection (or oral-systemic connection) simply means that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and that your oral health is closely linked to your overall health.

If you suspect that you may have gum disease (bleeding when brushing, sore gums or loose teeth are a few symptoms), it’s time to visit one of our teeth and gum health experts. We can reverse early-stage gum disease and tackle more advanced stages with tried-and-true treatments like scaling and root planing, gum grafts, LANAP® laser surgery and more.

Ready to take the next step? Give us a call at 561-912-9993 and/or submit your questions. We can guarantee we’ll exceed your expectations in terms of clinical care, comfort and compassion. Referrals are always welcomed but are not required.