Gum Disease: Men at Higher Risk than Women

Although losing a tooth called for celebration as a child, losing a tooth as an adult can be a trying ordeal. Many people don’t realize that the leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Avoiding gum disease for your entire life is becoming increasingly difficult. Reports indicate roughly 80% of adults in America will suffer from gum disease at some point during their life.

Recent studies are illustrating which segments of the American population are more at risk for developing gum disease. The dentists at Dental Associates of Riverside discuss gum disease prevention and how men are at higher risk for gum disease.

Gum Disease Rates for Men and Women

Gender equality could exist in society, but it doesn’t exist when it comes to gum disease. According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, men are at a significantly higher risk for developing gum disease than women. Currently, the rate for gum disease is 56.4% among men in America. The CDC also estimates that at least 50% of the population currently has gum disease. For women, the number drops to 38.4%. For patients over the age of 65, over 70% of people currently have some form of gum disease. As the population continues to live longer, the rate of gum disease among people over 65 will surely increase.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease prevention starts with oral care basics. Very few public health initiatives focus on adult education for oral care. Maintaining a healthy mouth at every age is essential to combating the effects of gum disease. Allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate in the mouth can lead to gum disease. Always make sure to brush twice daily, floss regularly, and rinse with an antimicrobial ADA-approved mouthrinse. These ADA-approved mouthrinses are show to reduce the risk of gingivitis by as much as 50% in some cases.

Schedule Your Visit for Gum Disease Prevention

Regardless of age or gender, gum disease prevention should be important to everyone. Adult tooth loss can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. At Dental Associates of Riverside, we can discuss effective means of gum disease prevention in our 92506 dentist office. We offer comprehensive dental care and multi-specialty dentistry to our patients of all ages. Contact us by calling (951) 369-1001 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Riverside and all neighboring communities in Southern California.