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Men’s Health Month: Breaking Down Barriers to Preventative Dental Care for Men

Lifestyle

Men's Health Month, observed every June, aims to raise awareness of health issues prevalent among men, including dental health—a key component of overall well-being. While dental health concerns affect everyone, men often experience unique challenges and barriers to maintaining optimal oral hygiene. This article reviews men's dental health issues, emphasizing prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies.

Common Dental Health Issues in Men

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is more prevalent in men than in women. Studies have shown that men are less likely to visit the dentist regularly, contributing to higher rates of undiagnosed and untreated periodontal conditions (Albandar et al., 1999; Borrell et al., 2005). Risk factors such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, and systemic conditions like diabetes further exacerbate this issue (Grossi & Genco, 1998). Additionally, hormonal differences may play a role, as female sex hormones have been found to have protective effects on gum tissue, which might partially explain lower incidences of periodontal disease in women as compared to men (Mealey & Moritz, 2003). Furthermore, men's differing levels of stress and different immune responses compared to women could contribute to their increased susceptibility to periodontal diseases (Genco & Borgnakke, 2013). Despite the availability of effective prevention and treatment strategies, the gender disparity in periodontal health underscores the need for targeted public health interventions and educational programs to encourage regular dental visits and promote better oral hygiene practices among men.

Oral Cancer

Men are significantly more likely to develop oral cancer compared to women. This disparity is primarily attributed to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use among men, both of which are major risk factors for oral cancer (Siegel et al., 2020; Hashibe et al., 2007). HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, another risk factor, also shows a higher incidence in men (Gillison et al., 2008). Additionally, occupational hazards such as exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants, more common in industries predominantly employing men, contribute to this increased risk (Blot et al., 1988). Men are also less likely to engage in regular dental check-ups, which can delay the early detection of precancerous lesions and cancerous changes, leading to more advanced stages of oral cancer at the time of diagnosis (Patton et al., 2008). Genetic factors and differences in immune system responses between men and women may also play a role, potentially influencing susceptibility and disease progression (Jain et al., 2013). Public health initiatives focusing on reducing tobacco and alcohol use, promoting HPV vaccination, and encouraging regular dental visits are essential to addressing this gender disparity in oral cancer incidence.

Tooth Loss

Men are more prone to tooth loss due to a combination of factors, including higher rates of trauma, periodontal disease, and untreated dental caries (Petersen et al., 2005). Sociocultural attitudes towards dental care and economic barriers often lead men to delay seeking treatment until it is too late to save the affected teeth (Locker & Ford, 1998). Additionally, men are more likely to engage in behaviors that negatively impact oral health, such as smoking in combination with alcohol consumption, which further increases the risk of tooth loss (Warnakulasuriya, 2009). Occupational risks also play a role, as men are more frequently employed in jobs with higher risks of dental injuries (Boffetta et al., 2003). Moreover, psychological factors such as dental anxiety and fear of pain contribute to the avoidance of regular dental visits and timely interventions (Smith et al., 2006). The cumulative effect of these factors underscores the need for targeted preventive measures, educational campaigns, and accessible dental care services to mitigate the higher prevalence of tooth loss in men.

Dental Caries

Although dental caries (cavities) affect both men and women, men tend to experience more severe forms due to less frequent dental visits and poorer oral hygiene practices (Dye et al., 2015). Dietary habits, notably higher consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, contribute to this issue (Moynihan & Petersen, 2004). Furthermore, men are less likely to use preventive dental care products such as fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, essential for reducing caries risk (Sanders et al., 2006). Hormonal differences also play a role, as estrogen in women may provide some protective effects against the development of cavities (Lukacs & Largaespada, 2006). Additionally, cultural perceptions may deter men from seeking regular dental care and adhering to recommended oral health practices (Graham et al., 2020). Addressing these disparities requires targeted public health strategies, including education on the importance of routine dental care and adopting healthier dietary and oral hygiene habits among men.

Contributing Factors

Behavioral Factors

Men's dental health behaviors significantly impact their oral health. Studies suggest that men are less likely to engage in preventive dental care, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups (Jamieson & Thomson, 2006). This negligence can be attributed to a combination of lifestyle choices, lack of awareness, and traditional gender norms that downplay the importance of self-care.

Socioeconomic Status

Socioeconomic disparities play a crucial role in dental health outcomes. Men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are at a higher risk of dental problems due to limited access to dental care, lack of insurance, and financial constraints (Quiñonez et al., 2009). This group often prioritizes immediate needs over preventive health measures, leading to delayed treatment and worse outcomes (Borrell & Crawford, 2012).

Occupational and Recreational Hazards

Certain occupations and recreational sports expose men to higher risks of dental trauma and diseases. Jobs that involve physical labor, contact sports, or exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to increased dental injuries and conditions (Kerr & Burke, 2015). Furthermore, work-related stress and irregular work hours can negatively impact oral hygiene practices.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Education and Awareness Campaigns

Increasing awareness about the importance of dental health and promoting preventive care practices are essential. Public health campaigns targeting men, especially those at higher risk, can help change attitudes and behaviors toward oral hygiene (Petersen, 2008).

Access to Affordable Dental Care

Improving access to affordable dental care is critical. Policies to expand dental insurance coverage and provide low-cost dental services can help reduce men's barriers to seeking timely care (Quiñonez et al., 2009).

Regular Dental Check-ups

Encouraging men to have regular dental check-ups can lead to early detection and treatment of dental problems. Dentists can be vital in educating male patients about the risks of common dental issues and preventive measures (Jamieson & Thomson, 2006).

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Promoting healthy lifestyle choices, including reducing tobacco and alcohol use, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing good oral hygiene, can significantly reduce the risk of dental problems in men (Sheiham & Watt, 2000).

Conclusion

Men's dental health is a multifaceted issue influenced by behavioral, socioeconomic, and occupational factors. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, improved access to care, and encouragement of preventive practices. By focusing on these areas during Men's Health Month and beyond, we can work towards better dental health outcomes for men.

AAOSH Resources

One of the 14 areas of the AAOSH Core Curriculum is Lifestyle. AAOSH offers courses featuring various lifestyle topics - from maintaining a healthy diet and drinking more water to building simple exercises into your daily life. We hope you will enjoy these two sample courses from our core curriculum. (Please Note: These are sample courses; watching these videos here does not provide CE credit. Please visit members.aaosh.org to search for these courses and earn CE credit.)

Dental Caries and Athletes

Presented by: V. Kim Kutsch, DMD

Original Presentation Date: May 19, 2022

Course Description:

Dental caries is the number one disease globally in all age brackets and demographics. Best practices for treating this disease now include a risk assessment-based model. Athletes have an increased risk of dental caries because of the nature of the sports drinks, diet, and supplements they use for training and competition. This presentation examines those unique risks, evaluates individual sports-related products, and describes how best to mitigate the caries risks for your athlete patients.  

Learning Objectives:

  • Recall and recognize athletes' heightened susceptibility to dental caries, understanding the specific nature of increased risks associated with their athletic activities.
  • Demonstrate comprehension by explaining athletes' various sports products and articulating the specific caries risks linked to their usage.
  • Apply acquired knowledge to propose and devise effective caries risk reduction strategies tailored for athlete patients based on the information presented during the program.
  • Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of different caries risk reduction strategies, distinguishing between various approaches suitable for different athlete patient profiles or sporting activities.

Oral Cancer Screening for Today’s Population: The Need for Change

Presented by: Jo-Anne Jones, RDH

Original Publication Date: June 25, 2014

Course Description:

A study released by the National Cancer Institute confirms that HPV oropharyngeal cancers have risen an astounding 225% from 1998 to 2004. If this trend continues, oral cancer will become the nation’s leading HPV-related cancer within the present decade, surpassing cervical cancer. Both the medical and dental communities have been alerted to this emerging pandemic.

We are still not making the inroads required, with most oral cancers found in the later stages. Following a comprehensive literature review, the Journal of the American Dental Association released the following statement;

Based on the available literature, the authors determined that a COE of mucosal lesions generally is not predictive of histologic diagnosis. The fact that OSCCs are often diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease indicates the need for improving the COE and for developing adjuncts to help detect and diagnose oral mucosal lesions”.

There is an urgent need for change. It’s within our hands.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the latest statistics about the sexually transmitted Human papillomavirus and its correlation with oropharyngeal cancer.
  • Define the high-risk anatomical areas associated with both HPV and non-HPV-related oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
  • Analyze and identify the subtle signs and symptoms that may be life-saving indicators of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

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