When we say “man,” we really do mean men. Guys. Dudes. Call them whatever you’d like, truth is, this blog is for them. We’re not trying to single out the male population, but statistically they’re less likely to regularly visit the dentist. At my dental office in Kettering, we weren’t exactly sure why. Do they not see it as necessary? Is a fear of dentistry more prevalent in men? Do they just not like us? Well, we’ve done some digging, and we’ve got a few reasons as to why men avoid dental appointments.
Survey Says…
The Academy of General Dentistry surveyed several dentists to gather their thoughts on why men tend to avoid dental visits, and the results are interesting.
- 45% believed men don’t see a need to visit the dentist
- 30% said men are embarrassed or afraid
- 18% said busy schedules limit their availability
Additionally, we found research that suggests men only see a dentist when there’s a problem, not for regular, preventive care (which may have actually prevented the problem in the first place). Also, pressure that society has put on men to always be tough may play a role in why some men avoid seeking medical advice, including dental care.
The Importance of Regular Dental Appointments
Whatever the reason may be that a man avoids the dentist, it’s crucial for him to know that yes, regular dental appointments are incredibly important. Appointments at least every six months can not only keep your mouth healthy, but your body healthy too. Many oral health problems affect whole-body health, which makes early diagnosis and treatment necessary. Maintaining regular visits with your dentist can:
- Catch cavities when a filling is still an option, before the need for a root canal arises
- Diagnose and begin treatment on gum disease before it contributes to heart disease
- Identify oral cancer before it spreads to lips, cheeks, throat, and tongue
Regular visits aren’t just used for preventive reasons. If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, or are embarrassed by your teeth, we can help with that too. Cosmetic dentistry like bonding, whitening, and veneers can brighten the appearance of your teeth. Restorative dentistry like dental implants, dentures, and bridges can bring life back to your smile. Whatever your smile goals may be, we can help you get there.
If you’re a guy, or if you know one, who has been avoiding the dentist for awhile, call my Kettering dental office to schedule a dental cleaning and exam today. No matter how long it’s been since your last appointment, we’ll be sure to work with you to keep you comfortable and get you and your smile back to health in no time.
