Facts About Men & Oral Health 

June plays host to Father’s Day every year. But June is also known as Men’s Health Month, which is a time to bring awareness to the importance of routine doctor appointments for all men. After all, men are less likely to get regular checkups with their medical doctor as well as their dentist in Charlottesville. These preventive appointments can catch potential problems early, before any symptoms even appear, and when treatment is often easier and more successful. 

Protect & Prevent

Your dentist in Charlottesville recommends that everyone has a preventive dentistry checkup at least twice a year. And for a good reason. These appointments help your dental team keep a close eye on oral health, detect any changes, and remove tough plaque buildup that can’t be removed at home. When caught early, many oral health problems can be treated easily and before they have a chance to put the rest of the body at risk.

But, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, men are less likely to see their dentist regularly and rather only visit when they’re already having signs of a problem, which can be too late for some situations. Since many men forgo preventive dental appointments, they’re often at more risk for oral health problems. 

3 Oral Health Problems That Are More Common In Men 

While men are at more risk for several minor dental problems such as cavities, there are also some serious conditions that tend to affect men more than women. 

• Gum Disease. Gum disease is a serious infection that starts in the mouth but can affect the rest of the body if not treated promptly. In fact, studies have shown a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, respiratory problems, and poor prostate health in men. Plus, gum disease can also cause tooth loss. According to The American Dental Association, around 34% of men ages 30-54 have gum disease as compared to 23% of women in the same age range. 
• Oral Cancer. The second serious oral health condition that tends to affect men more than women is oral cancer. In actuality, men are twice as likely to get oral cancer than women and are four times more likely to get oropharyngeal cancer, cancer that affects the way back of the mouth. Oral cancer can be treated, but it’s crucial to catch it early before it has a chance to spread. Your dentist in Charlottesville will check for signs of oral cancer at each visit, which makes those six-month checkups even more important. 
• The Need for Advanced Dental Care. Prevention is key to keeping teeth and oral health protected against serious dental concerns. However, when preventive appointments are missed, patients are more likely to need advanced dental care. What was once a probably easy and quick treatment may now require more complex care such as a root canal, dental crown, extraction, or dental implant. If you wait to see your dentist in Charlottesville until you have a problem, chances are the issue has already progressed to a serious level.

Even though everyone should visit the dentist regularly, men often need a bit of nudge to do so. But the benefits of bi-annual dental visits are immeasurable, so commit to seeing your dentist (and your medical provider!) regularly for routine checkups to protect your body before you experience a problem. 

About The Author

Dr. Jack T. Kayton

Dr. Jack T. Kayton has served families in Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1994 through his general and family dentistry private practice. Believing that everyone deserves quality dental care, he donates his time to worthy causes. He volunteers at the Donated Dental Service and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others.

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