Do your gums feel tender and sometimes bleed?
This may be because of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is one of the most common chronic gum diseases in the United States. And it is considered the leading cause of tooth loss for adults worldwide.
Read more about why this disease is more prevalent in men and how it affects one’s overall health.
What is it?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, refers to the infection and inflammation of the gums, ligaments, or bones surrounding your teeth and can vary in severity. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
Periodontal Disease vs. Men
Research has found that periodontal disease is prevalent in males with a percentage of 56.4 when compared to females with a percentage of 38.4. This means that five are affected by gum diseases out of every ten male adults.
This may be because women are more likely to visit their dentist regularly. According to Julie Bencosme’s research, women are more likely to receive professional dental care. And while they are there, women make sure to have a future or follow-up appointment that they intend to keep. On the contrary, men often visit their dental professionals only when it is absolutely necessary and therefore receive far fewer dental checkups and cleanings than women.
How Periodontal Disease Affects Men
For men, having periodontal or gum disease poses a serious threat to their overall health and may impact beyond your mouth. It is said that this disease can contribute to the development of the following problems:
- Having poor Prostate Health – According to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, men with advanced gum disease are nearly three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
- Contributes to Heart Disease – Infection in your gums may increase the risk of clogged arteries and even worsen existing heart conditions.
- Diabetes– Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar than those with healthy gums.
- Cancer – According to a study published by the Annals of Oncology, men with advanced periodontal disease are nearly three times more likely to develop cancer than those without gum disease.
Treatment at Crossroads Family Dentistry
Although periodontal disease is more prevalent in men, women should still take care of their oral health. The risk of preterm low-birthweight births, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are just some of the few diseases exacerbated by the inflammation caused by periodontal diseases.
If you or someone you know is showing periodontal disease symptoms, seek professional dental treatment as soon as possible. Don’t ignore those tender or bleeding gums!