Is Oral Health For Women Different Than It Is For Men?

It's pretty easy to start listing the ways our genders differ but did you know that men and women experience oral health differently too? Although men and women's mouths are designed the same way, when it comes to oral care there are some major dissimilarities. These contrasts correlate with the fact that men and women's bodies and the needs of their bodies differ. Overall, health is hugely linked to oral health for both males and females, but there are some differences between men and women that you can take note of that can affect their oral health. 

Aspects of Oral That Are The Same For Men & Women

As you can image - for the most part, men and women's mouths are not all that different. They both are made up of teeth, a tongue, gums, and both will experience plaque and the need to be brushed and cleaned regularly. Both are vulnerable to the same types of oral diseases and problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancers and more. Oral cancer is more of a risk in seniors whereas other oral issues can happen at any time throughout our lives and aren't prompted by the aging process.

The primary difference between men and women lies in the rest of their anatomy and their habits. The female body goes through different stages, more than the male body, and that can have an effect on women's oral health. 

Oral Health For Women

The majority of women experience their period, some experience pregnancy, and most will experience menopause. With these conditions, a lot of changes occur in the female body. According to the European Association of Dental Publix Health, around 60 to 75% of all women experience gingivitis during their pregnancy. Gingivitis is a condition that affects the gums and can eventually lead to more serious gum diseases and tooth loss if untreated. Most cases can be treated and prevented with consistent and proper brushing and flossing with focus on the gum area, but some cases will need to be handled by a doctor. 

Postmenopausal women have reported experiencing a burning sensation on their tongue and gums; a condition that can be linked to numerous things but most commonly a shift in hormones. This condition should be discussed with a dentist or doctor if it occurs. The hormonal fluctuations that come with periods, menopause, and pregnancy can also cause dry mouth which can lead to other problems like halitosis. This can usually be handled by drinking more water and rinsing the mouth out more often, or by avoiding excessively sugary or salty foods and beverages. Whenever a woman is experiencing a time in her life where she will go through a number of changes in her hormones, she needs to be aware that her oral health can be affected. The body is a beautiful balance of so many things but this is especially true for women. 

Oral Health For Men

Men are statistically less likely to be on top of their oral care. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, men are 26% less likely to floss on a daily basis. The same research also showed that only 57% of men would be embarrassed by a missing tooth, whereas 74% of women would be. Men tend to care less about the cosmetic aspect of certain parts of their appearance whereas women often take their smile particularly serious. 

Men also don't' have to worry about things such as pregnancy, periods, or menopause which can affect oral health in women but they do have to worry about keeping their mouths clean still. They should be sure to take precautions and establish their routines properly in order to avoid gum disease, tooth decay, or other problems that can arise when oral care is neglected. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using an oral mouth rinse daily along with regular visits to the dentist will prevent most issues that they can come across.

Have you ever noticed any major differences between you and the opposite sex's oral hygiene and upkeep? Share your stories with us! 8/14/2019