According to the Academy of General Dentistry, men are much more likely than women to skip the recommended twice-annual visits to the dentist for a checkup and a cleaning. In fact, most American men won’t visit the dentist unless they’re experiencing a dental problem. However, making sure to visit the dentist every six months is a great way to prevent and avoid these problems altogether. Here at Littleton Implants & Periodontics, we encourage men to keep up with their regular dental appointments in order to avoid serious dental health problems.
Preventative Care
Even if you’re practicing great at-home oral hygiene, there are still things you could be missing on your own. For example, only a professional dental cleaning can remove tartar once it’s built up. Additionally, your general dentist will be able to spot potential issues before they start and can also keep a close eye on your general health as well. If you don’t keep your regular dental appointments, you’re putting your dental health at risk.
Men, in general, tend to have a higher risk of:
- Gum Disease – According to numerous studies conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, men are more likely to develop gum disease than women. If left untreated, gum disease can cause health problems such as heart disease, respiratory issues, prostate problems, and even certain cancers.
- Advanced Dental Treatments – Because men are less likely to visit the dentist, they are more likely to need extensive treatment once they do eventually come in. If plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate, it may become necessary to have a root canal or even the complete extraction of the tooth, causing the need for dental bridges or implants.
- Oral Cancer – Lastly, men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women. If caught early, oral cancer treatment is often very successful. But if you avoid the dentist for too long, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body and can even lead to death.
Because men are at a higher risk of gum disease, please keep a close eye on your gum health and call Littleton Implants & Periodontics if you have any concerns! Our office is located here in beautiful Littleton, Colorado.