Men are less likely to brush their teeth or floss as frequently as women, it has been revealed.
Research shows that three in 10 people in the UK don’t brush their teeth the recommended twice a day.
And men are more likely to brush their teeth less often, with one third (33%) admitting they brush only once a day. In comparison, this figure stands at 23% for women.
As a result, 34% of men aged 30 to 54 years suffer from periodontal (gum) disease compared to 26% of females.
Additionally, a similar pattern appears when it comes to seeking professional care. According to behavioural research, men are less likely to visit the hygienist. For example, 34% of men report never visiting a hygienist compared to 28% of women.
Worrying research
The Dental Law Partnership is urging men to keep on top of their oral health as the UK enters its third national lockdown.
‘Men are more likely to develop gum disease and experience tooth loss compared to women. When combined with concerns that men are less likely to visit the dentist, it is clearly worrying,’ says The Dental Law Partnership.
‘The pressures of lockdown, reduced dental service capacity and government restrictions may all play a part in increasing numbers of missed cases of gum disease.
‘But we implore all patients, and men in particular, to be aware of the risks to them. Make sure they know the signs and symptoms of gum disease and to contact their dentist if they have any concerns, as well as ensuring they have regular dental appointments.’
Common cause
Cancer Research UK data shows that one in 55 males will develop mouth cancer. This is nearly double the risk of the UK female, where one in 108 will develop the disease.
In the UK, head and neck cancer is the 10th most common cause of cancer death in males, compared to the 17th most common for women.
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