Almost half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and men are hit harder—about one in two compared with one in three women. Four key reasons for this discrepancy between the sexes stand out:
Tobacco Usage: Despite a global decline in tobacco usage, the American Lung Association reports that today’s tobacco use is still higher in men than in women. More men smoke, vape, or chew tobacco, which cuts blood flow to the gums, fuels inflammation, and slows healing. Tobacco doesn’t just cause cancer; it can damage nearly every organ in your body, including the tissues in your mouth. Quitting tobacco remains at the top of the list to protect your mouth and overall health.
Hormones: Low testosterone may raise the risk of gum disease and a higher risk of developing diabetes. Conversely, very high levels of testosterone can reduce saliva and promote dry mouth. If you’re utilizing testosterone replacement therapy, be sure to keep both your physician and your periodontist in the loop.
Dental Care Habits: Men, statistically, are less likely to brush twice a day or floss daily. The American Dental Association reports that only 62% of men see a dentist at least once a year compared to 75% of women. That neglect and chronic gum infection raise the risk not just for tooth loss but also for heart disease, the leading cause of death in men in the U.S.
Being more proactive about dental health at home (twice daily brushing and daily flossing) along with regular dental office visits as directed, can help save your teeth— and your life. Men may more often wait for problems like tooth pain or swollen gums to occur before scheduling regular checkups for professional cleanings and screening.
Alcohol Consumption: On average, men drink more heavily than women. Alcohol dries the mouth and encourages bacterial growth (plaque) even in people who don’t yet have gum disease. Whether your drink of choice is a mug of beer, a glass of red wine, or shots of tequila, the more you drink, the more “bad” bacteria that need to be destroyed. Any alcohol consumption may lead to health risks. If you’re going to drink, sip water to help keep your saliva flowing.
What are the Symptoms?
Healthy gums should be firm to the touch. They don’t bleed, and they’re not swollen. Because many individuals don’t experience soreness in the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, you might not even notice this gradual breakdown of gum tissue. If left untreated, mild gum disease can progress to advanced periodontitis, which can cause your teeth to become loose and, eventually, fall out.
Why It Matters
Periodontal disease is more than ensuring a good-looking smile with healthy teeth and gums. Addressing the chronic oral inflammation of gum disease may help avoid other systemic health issues. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is linked with a growing list of serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and more. Yet only about 62% of men see a dentist once a year compared to 75% of women. Regular visits let us catch and treat disease early—before bone loss or more serious illness sets in.
Take Action
Men—proactive oral health is not just about creating a nice-looking smile. By addressing the following, you can help safeguard not just your oral health but potentially avoid more serious oral and systemic issues down the road:
- Quit tobacco of every type
- Discuss hormone levels and therapies with your dentist and physician
- Limit alcohol and stay hydrated
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily
- Schedule professional cleanings and checkups as recommended–before problems occur
Your gums are part of your overall health. Today’s advanced periodontics can treat gum disease with numerous, effective non-surgical and surgical treatments. Protect your gums and teeth now, and you protect much more than your teeth. All of us, whether male or female, need to prioritize our dental (and overall) health!
Ovadia Chocron, DMD, practices advanced dental implant surgery, gum- and bone-grafting techniques, and regenerative treatments for periodontal disease at South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
