SPOTLIGHT:
WHY DON’T MEN VISIT THE DENTIST?
Neglecting oral health can result in painful — and expensive — consequences in the future.
Men often get the reputation of being stubborn when it comes to going to the dentist, and it turns out that’s well-deserved.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, compared to women, men are not as likely to see their dentist at least twice a year.
They’re more likely to make an appointment only when they are experiencing symptoms of a problem.
Reasons Men Won’t Make Regular Dentist Appointments
The Academy of General Dentistry surveyed dentists on why they thought male patients didn’t come in for preventative dental care, and found that:
18%
said they lacked the time to go to the dentist
30%
of young men believed they were too embarrassed or afraid
45%
of young men said they don’t see a need to visit the dentist
Brushing Alone Doesn’t Cut It
Failing to see the dentist for preventative care in their 20s and 30s means that men are more likely to need more invasive — and expensive — treatments in the future because ailments will be more advanced when they’re diagnosed.
That’s why only brushing at home isn’t enough. The American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry found that 28.7% of women will brush after each meal, and 56.8% of them will brush twice a day, while only 20.5% of men will brush after meals and 49% will brush twice daily.
Poor oral hygiene habits, combined with the lack of dental appointments, could easily lead to serious problems down the road. Men are also more likely to exhibit decay that has been left untreated (29% of men compared to 25% of women between the ages of 35 and 44). And that decay can lead to serious problems.
When decay isn’t treated early with a filling, there’s an increased chance for a root canal and dental crown, which can cost thousands of dollars. Worst case scenario, there’s even a chance the affected teeth may fall out or need to be pulled. This means an expensive dental bridge, dentures, or dental implants.
The cost of a dental bridge runs at least $1,000, while dental implants can cost you more than $4,000.
Increased Chances Of Gum Disease
Neglecting oral care is about more than just vanity — it’s about overall health. Research has found that 34% of adult men between 30-54 years of age already have gum disease, compared to 23% of women in that age group. Even scarier, 56% of men between 55-90 years of age have gum disease, compared to 44% of women.
Gum disease is a result of plaque, which hardens into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The gums are irritated by the acids produced and the bacteria released in tartar. These acids cause the breakdown of fibers that anchor the gums tightly to the teeth. As a result, periodontal pockets are created that fill with even more bacteria.
Poor Dental Care Increases Risk of Oral Cancer
Over 8,000 people die every year of oral cancer, and men are two times more likely to suffer from oral cancer than women. If caught early, oral cancer treatment can easily be successful, but preventative care appointments are necessary to make this possible. When it’s not caught early, treatment can be difficult and even lead to death.
In addition, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and possibly erectile dysfunction and Alzheimer’s can all be connected to an unhealthy mouth. Yet knowing all this, men are still hesitant to make an appointment.
So the question remains, “Why?”
“If nothing is terribly wrong, then going to the dentist is a waste of time and money.”
And while many men feel they have to act tough, they often find themselves uncomfortable with the idea of dental procedures — even a simple teeth cleaning.
But the risks of not going to the dentist are could cost exponentially more time and money than regular cleanings and check-ups.
The Financial Cost of Ignoring Men’s Dental Health
According to the American Dental Association, among adults ages 35 through 64, the top reason for not seeing the dentist was cost at 43%, most citing lack of insurance.
But it can cost even more in the long run if they neglect preventative dental care.
Waiting until something goes wrong means you put yourself at risk for a dental emergency, which according to research, costs three times more than a routine dental visit, which could have prevented the issue in the first place.
The average dental emergency visit starts at about $749, and that’s if the patient isn’t hospitalized.
How to Minimize the Damage
The cheapest cavity is the one you never get!
The best ways to avoid dental issues are basic:
- Brushing regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of each tooth.
- Choosing a toothpaste with fluoride, which can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%.
- Seeing your dentist every six months.
And Remember — It’s Not Just Your Teeth
According to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers looked at the dental and medical insurance records of several hundred thousand people who had, among other conditions, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
They concluded that their medical costs and likelihood of being hospitalized dropped if they’d had at least one routine dental visit a year.
So if you’re a man who has been avoiding the dentist — or you have one in your life — call Gole Dental Group in Hastings MI for an appointment.
There’s no guilt trip. In fact, we’ll congratulate you on taking the right steps towards better health — inside and out.
