Whether they're afraid, embarrassed or just can't find the time, men are far less likely than women to take care of their oral health, according to a new study.

A survey by Men's Health magazine and Cable News Network found that men make 150 million fewer trips to the dentist than women each year and about one-third of American men have not had a dental checkup in the past year.

The survey also found that 34 percent of men aged 30 to 54 had periodontal disease, compared with 23 percent of women. And 56 percent of men aged 55 to 90 had periodontal disease, compared with 44 percent of women.

Men think teeth 'invincible'

"Many men don't visit the dentist because they tend to think their teeth are invincible," says J. Nick Russo, DDS, FAGD, president of the Academy of General Dentistry. "They will change the oil in their cars more regularly than they visit a dentist."

So just what are the benefits of good oral health care? In addition to combating cavities and gum disease, regular dental visits can also:

• Help improve bad breath, which often is caused by poor oral hygiene.
  
  
• Detect early stages of oral cancer. Men are twice as likely as women to develop the disease, often from smoking or chewing tobacco.
  
  
• Whiten and brighten teeth. A good smile can bolster one's professional and self-image.

Courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry (www.agd.org).

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WDDICSTN044 04/08
© 2008 Delta Dental Insurance Company

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