Men and Gum Disease

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, men account for 56.4% of all cases of gum disease. Research cited by the group suggests that this is a result of men being less likely to visit the dentist for routine cleanings and examinations.

Routine cleanings and examinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your teeth and gums from infection and decay. Typically scheduled six months apart, these visits allow us to thoroughly clean the teeth – from root to crown – to remove tartar, calculus, and stains. Biannual visits also allow Dr. Perlmutter to carefully check for early signs of gum disease or tooth decay, and to treat those things as soon as they arise.

The Risks of Untreated Gum Disease for Men

Gum disease is linked to a host of serious and potentially fatal complications. Bacteria from infected gums can easily enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. As a result, gum disease is now known to increase risks for:

• Hypertension​
• Heart attack and stroke​
• Kidney and liver failure​
• Esophageal and pancreatic cancer​
• Dementia

These risks are universal for people with untreated gum disease, but there are problems exclusive to men that can occur with periodontitis as well. These are:​

The Journal of Sexual Medicine reports that, in a study of nonsmoking men with ED, 53% also had severe gum disease (periodontitis), indicating that this easily avoidable oral health issue could be impacting the health and happiness of several men across the country.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, it is important that you contact our office right away to ensure you receive treatment before the problem progresses and begins to impact your overall health.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

In its initial stages (gingivitis), gum disease can often be treated through a deep professional cleaning and more attention paid to oral health at home. This includes brushing after every meal and flossing morning and night. A prescription mouthwash may be provided by our office as well if the situation demands it.

Symptoms of gingivitis include:​

• Red or swollen gums​
• Gums that bleed when brushed or scraped

Once gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, symptoms will become more obvious. These include:

• Pus in between teeth​
• A persistent bad taste in the mouth
• Chronic halitosis
• Loose teeth​
• Shifting teeth​
• Gums pulling away from teeth​
• Tooth loss

Periodontitis may also result in bone necrosis and cause changes to the shape and structure of your jaw.

Treating periodontitis may require multiple sittings for scaling and root planing, laser treatments, tooth extractions and, when needed, surgery. The easiest ways to avoid these more intense procedures are taking care of your teeth at home and visiting our office every six months for cleaning and examination.

June is Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Month, presenting the perfect time to call Dr. Perlmutter and schedule a cleaning and examination. Even if you are not showing any signs of gum disease, biannual cleanings should absolutely be a part of your larger healthcare routine.

More is understood about the link between oral health and systemic health every year – and the more we find out, the clearer it becomes that, just like diet and exercise, dental care plays an important role in a long and healthy life.

If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit, call 201-384-9292 and schedule an appointment at Oradell Family Dental today. Dr. Perlmutter is a trusted and respected family dentist serving Dumont, Bergenfield, and all surrounding areas of New Jersey.