Periodontal disorders or gum disease affect millions of individuals worldwide, including Australians. Untreated gum irritation may be fatal to your teeth. But which gender is actually more prone to gum disease, men or women?
This blog post examines factors affecting gum diseases and assesses which gender might be at greater risk.
Understanding Gum Disease
Plaque is responsible for gum diseases all the time. If dental care is not attended to, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar causes gingivitis.
If you are affected by this symptom, you might experience bleeding in your teeth, foul breath, etc. So, do not neglect it, as you might lose your teeth, and face many health issues.
See also: Top 5 Pediatric Dental Issues in Gilbert: How to Spot and Address Them Early
The Role of Hormones in Women
Hormonal fluctuations affect women’s gum disease risk. Periods, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause alter hormone levels and gums. These instances may cause gum irritation. For instance, the enhanced amounts of progesterone will cause pregnancy gingivitis in lots of expecting ladies. So, with fluctuations in hormone levels comes a time when women might be at an even greater risk for problems linked to their gums.
Lifestyle Factors in Men
Men engage in lifestyle practices that increase the risk of developing gum diseases. This is evidenced by reports indicating that fewer men visit dentists regularly and don’t clean their teeth properly compared to women. Moreover, smoking and alcohol consumption, which are more prevalent in men, greatly enhance the risk for periodontal diseases. These explain the higher incidence of gum problems among men.
Statistical Insights
While this may not be very upbeat news, the fact of the matter is that men are more predisposed to acquiring gum disease than women. In one published study, men had a higher prevalence rate of plaque, tartar, and bleeding on probing. Because men visit dentists less frequently compared to women and have characteristically poorer oral hygiene, they tend to have more serious periodontal adversities.
Oral Health Awareness
Awareness and education are critical in preventing gum diseases in men and women. Promoting dental checkups and regular clean visits can reduce multiple risk factors. Raising awareness for maintaining oral hygiene among women and men alike is essential. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and swishing with mouthwash are all practices that keep plaque at bay and reduce the risk factors for gum diseases.
Prevention Strategies
While genetics and gender may make one susceptible to the disease, some proactive steps help keep the gums healthy. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important in identifying gum diseases in their early stages and when they can be treated. Upon individual advice, dentists can step in even in minor cases before they worsen. Additionally, ensuring good nutrition, refraining from sugar-laden foods and drinks, and not smoking improve oral health.
Although hormonal changes make women momentarily more prone to gum diseases, it has been attested that gender-specific lifestyle factors are responsible for higher overall rates of disease incidence in men. Irrespective of gender, dental health via a regular dental checkup and clean, when supplemented with good oral hygiene practices, is a guarantee of disease prevention. Higher awareness of oral health maintenance assures a life free of ailments and a beaming smile.
