Men and women have observable differences, but did you realise your dental requirements might also be impacted by your sex?
There are a number of difficulties that both men and women should be aware of, and your dentist can assist you with this during your checkups.
Hormonal influences on women
Women undergo hormonal swings throughout their lives, and these fluctuations can have a significant influence on the oral health, particularly during pregnancy. These are the most frequent oral concerns that might emerge during pregnancy:
Morning sickness can erode tooth enamel by coating teeth with stomach acids.
If an underlying gum condition is present, pregnancy can exacerbate sore and swollen gums.
Gum ulcers
Pyogenic granulomas are gum growths.
Fractured teeth
Reduced saliva production, which can cause dry mouth.
Cravings and frequent eating to alleviate sickness result in frequent acid assaults on teeth, which is especially problematic when munching on high-sugar meals.
The good news is that if you collaborate with your dentist during pregnancy, you can prevent all of these complications.
Although not all pregnancies are intentional, the optimal time for a dental exam is when you are contemplating a pregnancy. “The next-best time to do this is late in the first trimester. Having checkups at these periods helps the dentist to prepare effectively if more treatment is required and to educate pregnant women on the best preventive measures.”
Your dentist may provide you with a complete scaling and cleaning, as well as tips on how to care for your teeth throughout pregnancy. This may involve using a fluoride mouthwash (containing no alcohol) every night prior to bedtime or after an episode of pregnancy-related vomiting.
Men: fewer dental visits
Men are more inclined to disregard their oral health, resulting in greater incidences of periodontal disease and tooth damage, according to study. Men visit dentists less frequently than women, and when they do, it is typically for an acute condition rather than disease prevention.
In addition, the study indicated that women have a deeper grasp of oral health and better oral hygiene practises than males. So, if you’re a male, make sure you’re well-versed in how to care for your teeth and gums (check out these recommendations) and schedule frequent check-ups with your dentist.
Men: illness risk
Oral cancer, which includes malignancies of the mouth, tongue, lips, and tonsils, occurs more frequently in males than in women. In Australia, the lifetime chance of acquiring oral cancer is around 1 in 90 for males and 1 in 200 for women, despite the fact that these tumours have been on the rise in both sexes over the past decade.
Most instances of oral cancer are attributable to avoidable factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and human papillomavirus infection (HPV). Researchers believe males are more prone than women to acquire this kind of cancer due to their heavier smoking and drinking habits (as a general rule).
The ultimate say
Despite significant differences in our dental health risk factors, both men and women need to practise proper oral hygiene, which means:
Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice every day
Once a day flossing between your teeth
Adopting a nutritious, balanced diet
Replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head if you use an electric toothbrush) every three months.
Visiting the dentist for a routine examination.
Consult a dentist in your area.