The Centers for Disease Control have found that women are more diligent than men about seeking out medical care when ill or injured and seeing their doctors for routine check-ups. And now, it turns out, women are more proactive about maintaining healthy teeth and gums as well.
The Journal of Periodontology recently published research revealing that:
- Women are twice as likely than men to have received a regular dental check-up in the past year
- Women were more likely to schedule recommended follow-up treatment
- Women had better indicators of periodontal health, including less plaque and bleeding
And, perhaps not surprisingly, the study suggested that women had a more positive attitude regarding dental visits.
So does that mean a man needs a woman in his life nagging him to get to the dentist? Not necessarily. We’re hoping that just knowing the facts about gum disease will be enough to get anyone, regardless of gender, age, or marital status, into the dentist’s chair every six months.
Skip the dentist at your own risk
Gingivitis presents as bleeding and swelling gums and usually precedes periodontitis – bone loss – but it doesn’t have to become that serious. In early stages of gingivitis, your teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets and nothing irreversible has occurred – yet. But skipping just a few preventive care appointments could put you squarely in the at-risk category for periodontal disease.
In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, not tooth decay, as one might think. And, because of the bacteria and inflammation that occur in gum disease, some research has associated periodontitis with chronic inflammatory conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Man or woman, your oral health is, without a doubt, a major player in your overall well-being.
Stay on track with routine dental visits and daily brushing and flossing (according to the American Academy of Periodontology, women are 26 percent more likely than men to floss on a daily basis… but we know that men can be more competitive, so you may want to put a wager on who can be more proactive about their oral health in your household!).
Contact Dr. Ken Cirka’s Philadelphia dental office to schedule a free new client exam, or to discuss any oral health concerns you may have.