Are Women More Likely Than Men To Suffer Oral Health Problems?

Our Burton dentists look at the different risks for men and women when it comes to oral health issues.

Generally speaking, long gone are the days when men almost always had poorer oral health than women. Problems likely to be caused by daily drinking and heavy smoking, which have been common in the past, are well behind most of us. These two factors were probably the largest contributors to poor oral health in their day, but does this mean that women are more likely than men now to have worse oral health?

In today’s blog, we take a look at some of the social and physical factors that can affect the sexes unequally and look at some of the things that uniquely affect women.

Key oral health risks for men

Fewer dental visits

Men are perhaps less conscious of the way that their teeth look and may well decide not to visit a dentist unless they have a toothache or a breakage that is problematic when eating. This means that problems such as tooth decay are not treated until their later stages when more extensive treatment, or an extraction, might be needed. This may be less true of the younger generation of men, many of whom are looking to cosmetic dentistry to help them have more attractive teeth. It is arguably more likely with the older generation though and it is safe to say that, in general, some men are more likely to skip check up appointments than women.

Cigarettes and alcohol

Although the gap is much more narrow than it used to be, men probably still consume more alcohol and are heavier smokers than women. Whatever sex you are, these are very bad habits that cause major problems for your teeth and gums and quitting smoking and drinking alcohol only in moderation will make a significant improvement to your overall oral health.

Less brushing

Again, this probably applies to older men more than younger, though teenagers may be guilty of this too. Men are thought to be less diligent about brushing their teeth and even more so when it comes to flossing!. All patients of SG Dental and Implant Centre are encouraged to brush their teeth well, and to use floss as part of the preventative oral health care that we strongly encourage.

Key oral health risks for women

Smoking and poor oral care

As with men, women are not excluded from the consequences of drinking and smoking and neglecting to brush their teeth and use floss. Although this is probably more prominent in men, women can suffer from gum disease and tooth loss so care should be taken to maintain a good oral health care regime.

Hormonal changes

Although male hormones also change, women undergo more significant changes due largely to pregnancy and the menopause. Both of these can cause significant hormonal changes which can affect the teeth and gums. Both pregnancy and the menopause may lead to a problematic dry mouth which increases the risk of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Pregnancy also often changes taste buds and can lead to a diet that is much higher in sugars than is usually the case.

Osteoporosis

Women are at particular risk of osteoporosis, especially as they become older. The bone loss that this causes occurs in the jawbone as elsewhere in the body. When the bone weakens and thins in the jawbone, it is more likely that teeth will become unstable and may become loose or even fall out altogether. This will affect dental implants as well as natural teeth.

Eating disorders and dieting

This can affect men too but is again, perhaps more common in women. Unfortunately, not only can this impact your general health but your oral health too. A lack of vitamins and minerals can weaken the teeth and eating disorders such as bulimia can cause enamel wear from the stomach acids coming into contact with the teeth during vomiting.

As we can see, both sexes have their own risks and it is worth paying attention to these. A good overall diet and consistent and good quality brushing and flossing will help to maintain healthy teeth and gums in our Burton patients.

Patients of both sexes should ensure that they keep us up to date with any medical issues that arise plus other changes such as pregnancy or menopause as this may affect the selection of treatments that we provide to you in some situations.

Regular check ups and dental hygienist visits should also definitely be a regular part of your oral care plan. To book an appointment with one or both of these, please ring SG Dental and Implant Centre today on 01283 845345.