Women Are More Likely to Maintain Periodontal Health Than Men
Women Are More Likely to Maintain Periodontal Health Than Men Views of overall health and the importance of preventive practice vary greatly between men and women, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a statement that notes females
Women Are More Likely to Maintain Periodontal Health Than Men
Views of overall health and the importance of preventive practice vary greatly between men and women, reports the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a statement that notes females are more apt to schedule and attend yearly health check-ups. And now research published in the Journal of Periodontology (April 2011) suggests that women also maintain periodontal health to a greater extent than do men.
According to the 800-person study—in which participants completed a survey and underwent oral examination to assess indicators of periodontal diseases—women were twice as likely to seek routine oral check-ups and to follow through with recommended dental treatments. In addition, oral examinations revealed that women presented with less markers of periodontal diseases than did their male counterparts.
“It is crucial that everyone—both men and women—strive to maintain periodontal health,” asserts Donald S. Clem, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Clem, who practices in Fullerton, Calif, adds, “Periodontal health may be related to overall health. Therefore, you cannot be healthy unless you are periodontally healthy.”
Remind your patients of the simple steps they can take to ensure optimal periodontal health: brush daily, floss daily, attend routine dental check-ups and recare appointments twice yearly, or as indicated by oral health care professionals.
