Adults

Men:

Oral health studies show that the biggest risk to man’s oral health is his attitude. Men seem see their dentist less frequently than women, and often only when there is a serious problem. This laid-back attitude towards regular dental visits is also noticed in preventive maintenance habits. Studies show that men only brush their teeth 1.9 times a day rather than the recommended minimum of twice a day.

Men of all ages are more likely than women to have more periodontal disease. Periodontal disease may place a person at more risk for complications related to diabetes and heart disease. Visiting your dentist helps prevent periodontal disease through early detection.

Facts & Tips:

• Men who smoke or chew tobacco are at twice the risk for gum disease or oral cancer

• 90% of oral cancers occur after age 45

• Men who play sports face a greater potential for trauma to the mouth and teeth. Wear a mouthguard.

• 34 % of males aged 30-54 have gum disease, compared to 23 % of females

• 56% of males aged 55 to 90 have gum disease compared to 44% of females

• More than 1/3 of men have not had a dental checkup in the past year

Women:

Women experience unique hormonal changes at different stages in life and may be more susceptible to oral health problems. While women tend to take better care of their oral health than men do, women’s oral health is not markedly better than men’s. Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can affect many tissues, including gum tissue.

By understanding these changes, you can practice good oral health habits that will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

• Puberty and Menstruation: The increase in female hormones can raise the blood flow to the gums and may cause gum sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

• Pregnancy: Hormone levels change considerably during pregnancy. Gingival inflammation during pregnancy affects 60-75% of pregnant women, even those who practice good oral care. Pregnancy changes the tissues in all areas of the body, including the mouth, and breaks down the natural barriers that prevent infection. Hormonal and vascular changes exaggerate the inflammation; sometimes it becomes localized and presents as a sore known as a ‘pregnancy tumor’. If it is very large, it must be removed; if left untreated during the pregnancy, it will still be there after the pregnancy. You may need more frequent professional cleanings during your second or early third trimester to help prevent gingivitis.

• Menopause and Post-Menopause: Women who are menopausal or post-menopausal may experience changes in their mouths. They may notice discomfort in the mouth, including dry mouth, pain and burning sensations in the gum tissue, altered taste and greater sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.

• Oral Contraceptives: Since oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progesterone, they imitate pregnancy. With the body believing it is pregnant, women taking birth control pills may experience gingivitis.