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| Brushing teeth properly |
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| Flossin teeth daily |
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| Red swollen gum |
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| Happy lifestyle |
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XX vs. XY or She Said vs. He Said
You might giggle—or groan—at the old song lyrics “Anything you can do, I can do better. No, you can’t. Yes, I can.” We often come across certain aspects of our daily lives that a person of one persuasion truly does something better than a person of the opposite persuasion. No sexual discrimination involved or intended, merely a serious fact.
She Said vs. He Said
As a woman, brushing and flossing your teeth may be so common to your daily routine that you really don’t even have to remind yourself to do it. On the other hand, as a man, brushing or flossing your teeth may be something you do only when someone threatens you with bodily harm if you don’t do it.
For example, surveys done by the American Dental Hygenists Association (ADHA) show that more women than men brush their teeth—
- before going out
- at work
- in a restaurant restroom
- three times a day.
A scant 22 percent of men reported that they brush their teeth one time a day—or less!
More women than men could correctly identify the way to brush teeth: use a circular motion close to the gumline, and hold the brush at a 45º angle to the teeth.
Flossing ranks even lower with men. Surveys show that 20 percent of men never floss; only 10 percent of women fall into that category.
The major reason for not brushing or flossing regularly typically fell into either the “I don’t have time” or “I forgot/didn’t think about it” categories. Interestingly, the number two reason stated by men was because there were “lazy!”
Equality at Last: There is Light at the End of the Tunnel
Both women and men said they knew they should brush their teeth for a longer period of time—about one minute longer—than they actually brush. You should brush for 2–3 minutes. Some state that if you sing the “Happy Birthday” song, you will brush the recommended length of time.
In their favor, woman and men also regularly replace their toothbrushes. The survey reported that they replaced their toothbrushes every 2–6 months, but sales indicate that it is more like every 9 months. But you need to keep in mind that many dentists give toothbrushes to patients when they have their teeth cleaned, which would dramatically affect sales figures.
Here We Go Again: Sounding Like a Broken Record
You have heard it over and over as you sit in the dentist chair: You must
brush and floss to maintain healthy teeth. Maria Perno, former president
of the ADHA, claims that men have a higher rate of gum disease. That fact
does not excuse the reported 16 percent of women who do not brush or floss
regularly from establishing a regular dental care routine. The statistics
about gum disease* in the U.S. are shocking:
- 50 percent of youth 17 years old and under have gum disease (according
to the ADHA).
- 80 percent of the entire population has gum disease (according to the National
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research organization). Many people
do not know they have gum disease because it is in the early stages.
- The number one reason that adults lose their teeth is gum disease that
advances to periodontal disease, a serious, non-reversible condition.
Red and swollen tissue caused by gum disease
Periodontal gum disease refers to gingivitis, which is the red and swollen
soft tissue (gums) surrounding your teeth. Gingivitis is caused by plaque
that clings to the teeth when they are not regularly or properly brushed
and flossed. If left untreated, gum disease progresses to periodontal disease
that destroys healthy bone (teeth and jawbone) as well as the gums and
connective tissue that support your teeth.
Wanted: Dead or Alive
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that should not be ignored.
It is the underlying cause of several deadly diseases, including:
- heart disease—thenumber one killer of men and women—affects over 60 million
people and kills nearly one million people each year;
- diabetes—affects nearly 16 million people and causes nearly 200,000 deaths
each year; and
- oral cancer—more common than other lethal cancers, including skin cancer,
leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, brain cancer, stomach cancer and ovarian cancer,
to name a few.
- low birthweight—Periodontal disease is also linked to low birthweight,
premature babies who come into the world already facing a life-and-death
struggle.
Dentists and dental hygenists know that some of life’s most serious diseases show up first in the patient’s mouth. They are on the front line of preventative health and can guide you when they see a potential problem.
You can help to protect your health and your teeth by brushing regularly and correctly, flossing, and getting dental check-ups twice each year. If you have soreness or tenderness around your teeth, immediately contact your dentist.
If you are going to be a statistic—be a GOOD statistic!
You may also be interested in:
Dental laser for treating gum diseases
Do I have gum disease?
Current information about the treatment of gum diseases
Gum diseases can cause serious systemic illnesses
Gum disease connects to heart attack
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