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The Truth about Men's Oral Health

Posted on 5/17/2016 by Heather Erickson

A doctor holding a broken cigarette inside his hands.

Did you know that when it comes to pursuing preventive dental care, men are much less likely to set up regular dental appointments than women? It's true, and there are a variety of other surprising statistics regarding men's health.

Firs, men are less likely to brush their teeth after every meal than women, and they are also less likely to brush their teeth twice a day than women. Additionally, men are significantly more likely to develop gum disease than women.

So, why is it that men are at a greater risk for oral health problems, and why don't they make their dental hygiene as much of a priority as women? While we might not have the answer to these questions, we do know that there are some men that need to be more diligent at maintaining good oral health than others:

•	Smokers. Men who smoke or use chewing tobacco will be at a greater risk for developing oral cancer or gum disease. Even men who don't use tobacco have a greater risk of developing cancer or gum disease than women, so tobacco use will further increase that risk.
•	Athletes. Men who are involved in sports will have a greater chance of suffering dental trauma than women or other men, so it is important that these men take precautions by wearing a protective mouth and facial gear.
•	Taking certain medications. Certain medications, including those that regulate the blood pressure or heart, could be damaging to the teeth. These meds could inhibit the flow of saliva, leading to an increased risk of developing cavities.

It is clear that all men need to take their dental health seriously, but men that fall into certain categories need to be extra proactive with their oral hygiene routines. If it has been awhile since your last dental checkup, give our office a call to set up your appointment.

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