Hey men, listen up! Did you know June is Men’s Health Month? Let’s celebrate by learning more about why men – even more than women – need to be extra vigilant about their oral health care.

Men are more at risk

When it comes to oral health, there’s a surprising difference between the genders – and that’s sobering news for men, who are more likely than women to experience oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, dental trauma, and oral cancers.[1]

There are many potential reasons for this – including unhealthy habits. Studies have shown that men are more likely than women to:

• Forget to brush and floss.[2]
• Skip routine dental visits.[3]
• Drink alcohol and use tobacco.
• Spend time in the sun absorbing UV rays.^[4]
• Ignore oral health issues until they get worse.[5]
• Play contact sports without wearing a mouth guard.
• Ride a bike or motorcycle without a helmet.

There is also a biological reason for the difference in risk, especially for older men. That’s because men naturally lose testosterone as they age. Testosterone loss can lead to inflammation and reduced bone density, which is why declining testosterone levels can lead to gum disease or potential tooth loss.^[6]

Take control of your oral health

The good news is that many oral health issues – no matter your gender – are preventable with proper care. If you want to reduce your risk, it’s as simple as strengthening your daily routine! To improve or maintain your oral health, make sure you:

• Attend any scheduled dentist appointments.
• Brush for two minutes twice each day and floss once daily.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Monitor alcohol consumption and limit caffeine and carbonated or sugary beverages.
• Avoid all forms of tobacco, including chewing and vaping.
• Limit sun exposure by hats, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF 30+.
• Wear protective gear like a mouth guard or helmet when playing contact sports.
• Watch out for side effects from medication, which can often cause dry mouth or other issues.

Also, be sure to tell your dentist if you are diagnosed with low testosterone. The more care providers know, the more they’re able to support oral health.

Here’s to a strong smile!

Men may face more oral health risks than women but taking time to focus on your oral health habits and using the tips mentioned above will help go a long way in maintaining both your smile and your overall wellness. To learn more about caring for your oral health or using your dental benefits, check out TruAssure’s online resource library.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8127762/

[2] https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/why-is-oral-health-important-for-men/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35545161/

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33993787/

[5] https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/why-is-oral-health-important-for-men/

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675296/