It might be easy to believe that there are no oral health differences between sexes but there are. While it may seem that there is no difference between a man's and a woman's mouth, when it comes to oral care there are some dissimilarities. These contrasts correlate with the fact that men and women's bodies differ. Overall health is linked very closely to oral health for both males and females, but there are some differences between men and women that you should take note of:
Aspects of oral health that are the same
It is true, for the most part, men's and women's mouths are not that different. They both have teeth, a tongue, gums, etc. Both will experience plaque and the need to be brushed and cleaned regularly. Both are susceptible to the same types of mouth diseases and problems, including bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer and more. Oral cancer is more prevalent as people age, whereas other issues can happen at any time in our lives. The main difference between men and women lies in the rest of their anatomy. The female body goes through different stages, more than the male body, and that has an effect on women's oral health.
Oral health for men
Men are less likely to take good care of their teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, men are 26 percent less likely to floss on a daily basis. The same research showed that only 57 percent of men would be embarrassed by a missing tooth, whereas 74 percent of women would be.
Men don't have to worry about things like pregnancy or menopause, which can affect oral health in women, but they do have to worry about keeping their mouths clean. They should take precautions so that they don't develop gum disease, tooth decay or any other problems. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least daily, using oral mouth rinses daily, along with regular visits to their dentist, will prevent most issues they can experience.
Oral health for women
During pregnancy and menopause a lot of changes happen in the female body. The mouth is not excluded from these changes. According to the European Association of Dental Public Health, around 60-75 percent of all women experience gingivitis during their pregnancy. Gingivitis, a condition that affects the gums, can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss. Most cases can be treated and prevented by consistent and proper brushing and flossing, but some cases of gingivitis will need to be handled by a doctor.
Postmenopausal women can experience a burning sensation on their tongue and gums. This condition can be linked to a number of things, often a change in hormones, and should be discussed with a dentist or doctor. The hormonal fluctuations that come with menopause and pregnancy can also cause dry mouth, which can be handled by drinking more water, rinsing the mouth more often, avoiding excessively salty or sugary foods, and chewing sugarless gum. Whenever a woman is experiencing a time in her life where she will be experiencing hormone fluctuations, she needs to be aware her oral health may be affected.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please Note: The material on this site is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your health care professional before beginning any new therapy.