The age old mantra of “men are from Mars; women are from Venus” rings true for many aspects of the two different genders. But did you know that there are many differences between the oral health and dental procedures of men and women? For example, women are better at making regular dental appointments, while men need a bit of encouragement to hop up into the dental chair.
Discover some other fascinating differences between men’s and women’s oral health below.
Women Go to the Dentist More
When it comes to bi-yearly cleanings and checkups, women are more likely to go than men. And while they are there, they are more likely to make follow-up appointments. Research has concluded that men go to their dentists only when absolutely necessary and therefore undergo far fewer professional cleanings than women.
Women also are eight percent more likely to brush two times a day than men are. Some studies have indicated that men will forego brushing occasionally, while women are more vigilant about brushing the recommended two times daily.
Men Have More Dental Issues
It might be their proactive dental practices or the other X chromosome, but women have fewer dental issues than their male counterparts, including bleeding gums, cavities, tartar buildup, and gum disease.
Remember, only a dental professional can truly identify the warning signs of oral diseases, so not going to the doctor regularly can lead to ugly problems such as decay, tooth loss, gum disease, root canals, and even oral cancer.
Men Put Themselves at Risk More than Women
Men also put themselves at more risk than women for bad dental health. Habits like drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, eating sweets, and exposing your mouth to carcinogens are extremely hazardous to your teeth and gums. The results of some studies have concluded that women are less likely to consume these types of carcinogens than men, greatly lowering their chances of oral cancer, gum disease, and other serious oral problems.
Men Experience More Tooth Trauma
Full contact sports such as football, rugby, water polo, and wrestling can greatly increase your chances of colliding with another person and suffering a sports related injury. Men take part more than women in these sports and thus experience more tooth trauma.
If you’re a male, it’s important to avoid preventable dental issues and visit your dentist regularly.
More than 93 million selfies are taken around the globe every day. From Facebook to Instagram and SnapChat, both youngsters and adults are clicking, uploading, and sharing. Despite all of this popularity, selfies have been found to be beneficial to your oral health.
Selfies Make Great Smiles
A recent study found that taking video selfies with your smartphone while brushing your pearly whites can greatly improve oral healthcare habits at home. The participants of the study used a smartphone that was propped on a stand to film themselves as they were brushing their teeth. The researchers found a vast increase in brush stroke accuracy, an increase in stroke number, and an overall improvement rating of eight percent in tooth brushing skills. However, the length of time a person brushed the teeth did not change.
Prior to the study, each participant’s brushing habits were assessed and corrected until each of them could demonstrate a proper brushing technique. During the actual study, participants were scored on how long they brushed for and the mastery of the skill, such as obtaining a 45-degree angle, brushing in circle patterns, and correct positioning of the arm.
The study revealed that if you record yourself brushing, you become more conscious of the act and are able to craft new memories for your muscles.
Daily Brushing and Flossing are Essential for Overall Oral Health
It is recommended by experts that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Tooth brushing is important because it remove plaque, a thin, sticky white film of bacteria that is constantly forming on and around your teeth and gum line and which can lead to gum bleeding, decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
If the plaque is not removed, it will continue to build up and feed on the bits of food left behind. This will lead to serious tooth and oral problems down the road, including gum disease and tooth loss, which are expensive to correct and treat.
It’s important to find a dentist in your area that can show you the proper way to brush and floss. Not only that, but you should be visiting your dentist twice a year for professional dental cleanings and checkups.
Try taking a selfie the next time you brush and floss and find out how it helps you!
There are many different types of oral issues that can be bothersome. Canker sores, also known as chancre, are one of them. If you have ever experienced a canker sore, you know that it can strike out of nowhere and be embarrassing, as well as painful. So what exactly causes them, and how do you treat them? Here is the lowdown on these pesky sores.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small ulcers that form on the inside of the mouth on the lips, cheeks, or gums. They can sometimes be found outside the mouth and make it super uncomfortable to talk and eat or drink, especially when they come into contact with acidic foods or drinks. The canker’s flesh is typically white and very tender to the touch, with red skin surrounding it. Unlike its close cousin, oral herpes, also known as cold sores, canker sores are not contagious.
The cause of canker sores is generally unknown. They can affect anyone, but mostly women between the ages of 10 and 20 suffer from them. It has been proven that consuming foods that are high in citrus, including oranges, lemons, tomatoes, strawberries, and pineapples can trigger these sores in people.
Sugary foods, such as candy and soda, can also cause these sores to pop up. Dental appliances, biting the inner cheek or tongue, or badly fitting dentures can also lead to canker sores. This is why it is important to get the best dentures from your dentist.
Canker sores, while painful, are not dangerous and will typically clear up on their own after a week or two. If you experience more than four or five canker sores per year, you should consult with your doctor, as it may be a sign of a more serious issue.
Treating a Canker Sore
Most often, canker sores will clear up on their own. They can also be laser treated by a dentist, which provides immediate relief from the pain they cause.Typically, you should avoid foods and drinks that are high in citrus or that are extremely sugary. Also, be sure to brush your teeth after every meal to guarantee no bacteria or food particles aggravate the sore.
If you have any further issues, it is important to always speak with your dentist regarding the matter. While canker sores are not harmful, they can disrupt your life.
