Gum Disease and Men’s Dental Care

As per the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly 57 percent of men have some form of gum disease compared to 38 percent of women---facts that at least suggest men and women aren’t exactly the same when it comes to oral health. Because men are also more likely to develop heart disease, they are more likely to need prescriptions that cause dry mouth, thereby increasing their risk for cavities and gum disease due to the lack of saliva to wash away bacteria and food debris.

With all this on their plates, men may be more prone to dental challenges, but they have still options for protecting themselves and their mouths. For instance, if men have dry mouth from medication, they can ask their doctors about adjusting their dosage. If that isn’t an option, they can drink more water, use a saliva substitute, and chew sugar free gum.

Gums and the Prostate

Gum disease can potentially affect the health of a man’s prostate—some studies suggest a connection to gum inflammation through a form of prostatitis. A study published in the journal Dentistry examined what happened to the prostates of 27 men over 21 years of age when they received treatment for gum disease. The prostatitis symptoms improved in 21 men when they were only treated for gum disease.

Gums and Erectile Dysfunction

Men dealing with a form of gum disease have an imperative to treat their condition because of a link it can have to other diseases, such as male-unique health problems like erectile dysfunction. A study by the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 53 percent of its participants had severe gum disease and ED—both of which are connected to inflammation. As inflammation occurs in gum disease, it can damage blood vessels if the bacteria behind it get in the bloodstream and cause other inflammatory conditions.

Gums and the Heart

As with gum disease and prostatitis or erectile dysfunction, cardiac disease is also an inflammatory condition. The inflamed gums found with gum disease can increase someone’s risk for developing heart disease. Because men have a higher risk, this should motivate them to be more attentive regarding their oral health.

Regardless of the condition, it’s essential to establish a great oral care routine at home to improve oral and overall health. The initial step in maintaining a great oral health routine involves brushing twice a day with a quality toothpaste to fight the bacteria behind gum disease. Men and women should also floss at least once a day to help minimize risk. To ensure the routine is effective, individuals should make regular appointments with their dentist, who can detect and treat conditions early on.

Are you avoiding the dentist due to the high cost of dental care? We offer a New Hampshire individual discount dental plan that can save you as much as 20 percent off your regular bill. For more information, please click here.