Dentist in Waterbury Explains the Gender Battle with Oral Hygiene

When it comes to caring for your teeth and gums at home, both men and women are given the same advice: brush twice per day and floss every night. Although you might believe that oral hygiene habits are the same for both genders, new studies have found some significant shortcomings between men and women. On average, women tend to care for their teeth better than men. No matter if you have an X or Y chromosome, your dentist in Waterbury encourages everyone to follow the same routine to foster a healthy smile.

Brush Twice a Day

Your toothbrush and toothpaste are your first line of defense against preventable issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brushes twice a day for at least two minutes each session. Unfortunately, statistics show that only 66% of men brush twice a day compared to 86% of women.

Floss Every Night

While your toothbrush is effective, there are still areas in your mouth where it cannot clean. To remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque, it is best to floss in between each tooth and around the gum line every night before going to bed, but only 4 out of 10 Americans do it.

According to NHANES data, 39% of males never floss compared to 27% of females. As a result, men have an increased risk of developing gum disease. The American Academy of Periodontology found that over 56% of men have a form of the infection while only 38% of women have it.

Routine Dental Appointments

In addition to your home oral hygiene habits, the care you receive from your dentist is equally important. It is recommended that you have a cleaning and checkup twice per year. According to the Journal of Periodontology, women are twice as likely to maintain their preventive appointments than men. In addition, they are also more likely to follow the advice of their dentist.

Risk for Dental Complications

Shortcomings in oral hygiene have shown to increase the risk for several dental complications for men. Lack of proper brushing and flossing habits raise their risk of tooth decay; however, women tend to have more cavities due to fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy or menopause.

While women may be more prone to cavities, men are more likely to suffer from dental injuries due to contact sports while also being twice as likely to develop oral cancer.

Protect Your Smile

Whether you are male or female, you can reduce your risk for dental problems by maintaining your oral hygiene habits at home and with regular appointments with your dentist. With a proactive approach, you will nurture a healthy smile that can last for a lifetime.

About Dr. Luciano Marini

Dr. Luciano Marini and Dr. Mancini provide complete dental care to patients of all ages. With customized solutions that cater to your individual needs, they will help you achieve optimal oral health. If it has been more than 6 months since your last appointment, contact Waterbury Smiles today to schedule your cleaning and checkup.