Regardless of gender, dental patients receive the same
treatment for gum disease and other oral health conditions, but there are some
notable differences between women and men regarding dental care. For instance,
men are more likely to suffer from gum disease compared to women—roughly 57
percent of male patients develop periodontal disease in some form compared to female
patients’ 38.4 percent, per the American Academy of Periodontology.
Also, men are at higher risk for developing heart disease than
women, per the CDC, with between 70 and 89 percent of rapid heart problems happening
in men. Because of this, men are much more likely to require medication that could
lead to dry mouth or other oral issues. Male patients often have to deal with
these various challenges more often in their oral healthcare, but there are
options available to help protect their health.
Erectile Dysfunction
and the Gums
Whether male patients have gingivitis or chronic periodontal
disease, it’s important that their gums receive treatment, as these infections come
with links to several male-specific problems, such as erectile dysfunction. A
study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine
reported 53 percent of its participants, who consisted of nonsmoking males
between 30 to 40 years of age, had both erectile dysfunction and severe periodontal
disease. While these issues occur in different regions of the human body, they’re
both linked to inflammation. Gum disease-related inflammation can cause damage to
blood vessels when bacteria from it spread to the bloodstream.
The Prostate and the
Gums
Gum disease could also affect prostate health, which several
studies have indicated that it connects to periodontal inflammation via
prostatitis. A 2015 Dentistry Journal study examined the prostates of 27 males
over 21 years of age when they were treated for gum disease (which all the
males had). Prostatitis symptoms decreased in 21 males despite only receiving
gum disease treatment.
The Heart and the Gums
As with prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, and gum disease,
cardiac disease is also an inflammatory condition. Inflamed gums brought on by
periodontal disease may increase one's risk for heart disease, which men are at
higher risk for already. Because this often motivates men to be more proactive
toward teeth and gum health, though, male patients can also be proactive regarding
heart health.
Dry Mouth-Inducing Medications
Men's higher risk for developing heart disease means they’re
more likely to need medications with side effects that include dry mouth. Because
of this, they have an increased risk for gum disease and cavities due to the
lack of saliva to wash away food debris and bacteria. If you have dry mouth due
to one of your medications, your doctor can likely adjust the dosage in order
to provide relief. If changing medications isn’t an option, other methods of
coping exist as well, including drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-less
gum, and using saliva substitutes.
If you need to go to the dentist for a checkup but afraid of
the high cost of dental care, sign up for our New Hampshire discount dental
plan
that can discount your bill by as much as 20 percent! For more information click here.
Copyright:
zlikovec
/ 123RF Stock Photo
