How Gum Disease Specifically Affects Men

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.

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