What men need to know about their oral health

Many studies have shown that men take their oral health for granted. Compared to women, men are less likely to seek dental care and more likely to neglect their oral health. For example:
 

• Men visit the dentist less frequently than women and when they do go, it’s often to treat acute problems rather than for preventive care, according to a study published in the American Journal of Men's Health. Men are also less likely to follow their dentist’s recommended treatment plan after their visit.
• The same study found that men are more likely to engage in habits detrimental to dental health, such as using tobacco products and drinking alcohol.
• The findings also noted that that men are less likely to floss than women and are 40% less likely to brush after every meal.
  

Neglecting oral care can lead to more than an unhealthy smile and may even lead to life-altering and deadly medical conditions.

Risk factor: Gum disease

Having gum disease may increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. People with gum disease have more than twice the risk of having a heart attack, stroke or another serious cardiovascular event, according to Harvard Medical School research.

Men have much higher rates of gum disease than women, with about 56% of men affected versus 38% of women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of this, you should be especially vigilant for signs of gum disease such as red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or loose teeth.

Risk factor: Using tobacco

More than 54,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported in the United States each year according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s most recent statistics, and these cancers occur almost twice as often in men than in women.

Using tobacco greatly increases the odds of developing oral cancer — a smoker's risk is 10 times higher than a non-smoker’s. If you smoke or chew tobacco, see a dentist for regular cleanings and to screen for oral cancer.

Risk factor: Playing sports

Sports account for 40% of all dental injuries in the U.S., with men more likely to sustain these injuries, according to The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

If you play sports, particularly contact sports such as football, soccer, hockey, basketball or baseball, be sure to use a mouthguard, a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth from trauma. If you ride a motorcycle, you should always wear a full-face helmet.

Take care of your teeth

Your oral health is key, so take time out to focus on it. Here are three easy things you can do to improve your dental health.
 

• Brush after every meal, even workplace lunches
• Floss daily for better gum health and to control cavities
• Visit the dentist regularly, even if you think your teeth are healthy

Together, these tips can go a long way in maintaining both your smile and your overall wellness.

Last updated May 22, 2024