MEN are less likely than women to take care of their physical health and, according to surveys and studies, their oral health is equally ignored.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, an online poll of general dentists and consumers confirms the traditional stereotype that men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts. Good oral health has been recently linked with longevity.

Yet, one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental check-ups is just being male. Nearly 45 per cent of respondents felt that men don’t see a need to go to the dentist, and about 30 per cent of those polled reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go.

While, almost 18 per cent revealed that men just don’t have the time for a dental visit, and about five per cent felt that men don’t even have a regular dentist.

Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises.

However, this long-standing trend and excuse may be disappearing as more men are climbing back into the dental chair. Many have noticed the positive effects from a colleague’s improved smile and realise that a great smile has a lot of value in the business world.

More men are requesting cosmetic dental procedures now than before, such as bleaching, veneers and bonding. Today, with lay-offs and companies closing across board, the workforce has become more competitive.

Middle-aged men are competing for jobs with younger men, which make their appearance a heightened factor in their professional lives. Many men are now realising that proper maintenance and biannual check-ups are the key to improving the way one looks and feels.

There is an increased awareness of the overall health benefits of seeing the dentist every six months. When it comes to oral health, statistics show that the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72.

Men are also more likely to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a result of plaque, which hardens into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The acids produced and released by bacteria found in tartar irritate gums.

These acids cause the breakdown of fibres that anchor the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more bacteria. Researchers have found a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Since men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, they also are more likely to be on medication that can cause dry mouth. If you take medication for the heart or blood pressure, or if you take antidepressants, your salivary flow could be inhibited, increasing the risk for cavities.

Saliva helps to reduce the cavity-causing bacteria found in your mouth. If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have a greater risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

Men are affected twice as often as women. The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips, and gums.

If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death. More than 8,000 people die each year in the United States from oral and throat diseases.

If you use tobacco, it is important to see a dentist frequently for cleanings and to ensure your mouth remains healthy.

Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer. If you participate in sports, you have a greater potential for trauma to your mouth and teeth.

If you play contact sports, such as football, soccer, basketball, and even baseball, it is important to use a mouth guard, which is a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth from trauma. If you ride bicycles or motorcycles, wear a helmet.

See your dentist if you have any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding gums during brushing

• Red, swollen or tender gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Loose or separating teeth

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica School of Oral Health Sciences. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 630-4710.