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According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) men are far less likely to stick to their regular biannual dental checkup schedule than women. What could be the reason behind this? The number of men going to the dentist is fortunately on the rise, but their motivation may be something other than overall dental health. Many dentists report an influx of male patients on a quest for a whiter, brighter smiles with the help of cosmetic dentistry.

Dentists Seeing More Men for Cosmetic Work

Almost half of the dentists questioned in the AGD poll believed that their male patients who neglected checkups simply didn’t see a viable need for preventive dental care. Embarrassment, lack of extra time, and not wanting to go through the trouble of finding a new dentist are also cited as explanations for fewer male visitors in most dental offices. Men may now find new motivation in cosmetic benefits of dental work, but when it comes to preventive dental appointments, the overall health benefits of bi-annual visits probably don’t cross many men’s minds. Why the sudden surge for aesthetic dental pursuits by so many men?

Why the Cosmetic Dentistry Surge?

Expert dentists such as AGD spokesperson, Dr. J.Nick Russo, Sr., note that trends are changing in their practices. It looks like men are vying for better jobs and promotions in these tough economic times. Even men with established careers are finding the competition stiff. While men in recent decades past tended to stay with only one or two companies over the course of their entire careers, things have changed. These days, lay-offs and companies going out of business mean that “middle-aged men are competing for jobs with younger men, making appearance a heightened factor in their lives,” according to Dr. Russo. Cosmetic procedures such as veneers, bonding, and bleaching quickly improve men’s appearance and help with confidence in their professional endeavors.

Visit your Moreno Valley Dentists

In many cases, gum disease and tooth decay are not obvious to the naked eye until the damage has become extensive. By attending a dental checkup at least once every six months, you increase your chances of detecting oral health issues before they can damage your mouth. To learn more about treating or preventing tooth loss, schedule an appointment at our Moreno Valley dentist office by contacting us at (951) 697-6800.