Why Men are More Likely to Skip Regular Dental Checkups

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, men are quite a bit more likely to wind up skipping the recommended twice-annual visits to the dental office for regular cleaning and a checkup. As a matter of fact, most men have admitted that they don’t visit the dentist unless they have a toothache. However, visiting the dentist every six months is the best way to prevent toothaches and other dental problems in the first place.

Preventative Care for Men

Even if you are practicing good oral hygiene at home, there are still things you could be neglecting. For example, only a dentist or hygienist is able to remove tartar and spot potential problems before they’re able to turn into bigger issues. Lastly, if you’re not keeping your dental appointments, you may be putting your dental health at risk.

Men are at a higher risk of the following dental diseases:

• Gum Disease – According to a number of studies, men are more likely to develop gum disease and gingivitis than women. If allowed to go untreated, gum disease can cause health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even some types of cancers.
• Oral Cancer – Men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer. If oral cancer is caught early enough, treatment is usually very successful. However, if you avoid the dentist for too long, cancer may spread to other parts of your body, which could result in death.
• Advanced Dental Treatments – Lastly, because men aren’t as likely to visit the dentist, they’re more likely to need advanced dental treatment once they’re diagnosed. If you allow plaque and tartar to accumulate, you may need a root canal or the extraction of the tooth altogether.

If you’re overdue for a dental cleaning and a checkup, please contact make an appointment with our dentist in Wichita, KS.  Our general dental office serves Wichita, Auburn Hills, and the surrounding areas.