There are some things you may know about periodontal disease
, or gum disease. For instance, because it is a disease that takes time to develop, it usually occurs later in life. But did you know that periodontal disease is more prominent in men than women? A recent research study has shown that 56 percent of men, as opposed to 38 percent of women develop gum disease as they age. The link between periodontal disease and overall bodily health makes this a worrisome statistic for men. With Father’s Day right around the corner, a trip to the dentist may be a good gift for your man. Your Allen, TX, dentist, Marco Cueva DDS, MS, is a trained periodontist, and will be happy to discuss how to avoid periodontal disease or how to treat it with the man in your life.
Gum Disease
There has been a slew of research indicating that periodontal disease can negatively impact your overall health. Therefore, the above statistics may be a wake-up call for men. Here are a few more interesting facts:
- Women attend regular dental check-ups two times more than men.
- When men do visit the dentist, they present with more plaque and tartar than woman.
These facts indicate that men are not taking their oral health as seriously as they should be. Poor oral hygiene in men can cause:
- Heart Disease: Heart disease and periodontal disease are both chronic inflammatory diseases, and research has already indicated a link between them. Because men are at greater risk for heart disease, inflammation associated with periodontal disease may increase that risk.
- Cancer: Research indicates that periodontal disease may increase the risk of certain types of cancers in men, including blood cancers, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
- Impotence: Studies have also shown a link between periodontal disease and vascular disease. Chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of impotence in men. For men in their 30s the presence of chronic severe gum disease tripled the risk for impotence.
- Prostate Health: When men experience prostate health issues such as cancer, there is a rise in a specific enzyme–prostate-specific antigen (PSA). But if he is experiencing prostate health issues and symptoms of periodontal disease, such as tender or swollen gums, PSA levels rise even higher, which indicates there may also be a connection between prostate health and the health of your gums.
About Dr. Marco Cueva
is a board-certified periodontist with extensive training and experience providing a full range of advanced dental care services. New patients can schedule an appointment or consultation with Periodontic Excellence at our Allen, TX dental office by calling 972-390-9944.
