Gum Disease and Men: Risk Factors For Other Diseases

Scheduling regular examinations by our periodontist at Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd is a vital part of protecting your oral health. Periodontal disease can wreak havoc with your gums, which are responsible for providing a healthy foundation for your teeth.

It's important to note that if you’re a man, the incidence of gum disease is significantly higher for men, at over 56 percent compared with about 38 percent among women. And that means it’s even more critical that men take special care of their gums, because periodontal disease has been linked to a number of serious health risks that go far beyond the mouth.

Here are some of the conditions linked to gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology:

• Men with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums, according to research. Men with periodontal disease may be significantly more likely than women to develop kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancers.
• Periodontal disease may actually increase your risk of heart disease, as researchers have linked these two chronic inflammatory conditions. Men are already more likely to develop heart disease than women, making maintaining periodontal health even more crucial.
• Men with periodontal disease are at increased risk of becoming impotent, according to research, with prolonged chronic inflammation damaging blood vessels, potentially leading to impotence.

Know the signs of periodontal disease: 

• Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away;
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums;
• Sensitivity or pain when chewing;
• Teeth that have become loose or don’t fit together correctly when biting down;
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.

Gum disease is treatable, especially in its early stages, by our specialist Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd. We urge our patients, especially the men, to schedule regular visits to guard against inflammation that can lead to serious health risks. Please contact us today for an appointment.