Men face significant health challenges. It is no secret that, on average, women live longer than men – by almost 4 years.[i] The prevalence of severe conditions like heart disease, strokes, diabetes and more is much higher among men, with the UK government identifying several explanations for this:
- Socio-economic factors
- Protected characteristics
- Behavioural and psychological factors
- Health-seeking behavioursi
Many chronic health conditions have associations with oral disease,[ii] and similar disparities between men and women also exist in dental care, with male patients visiting their dentist less frequently and, when they do, it is because they have an acute problem, rather than an annual check-up.[iii] Because of this, dental professionals must identify the risk factors affecting male patients and how best to manage them.
Leaving it late
Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health, and pay even less attention to their oral hygiene. Even when they might have a serious problem, 60% of male patients avoid care and are less likely to adhere to any recommended treatment when they are seen.
The main problem facing dental professionals is that, on average, male patients do not engage in preventive care as much as female patients, meaning that any healthcare sought is for a ‘fix’ rather than an ongoing push to reduce the risk of such a problem happening in the first place. This is reflected in how women are 26% more likely than men to floss on a daily basis and men are more likely to smoke, use harder toothbrushes (which can aggravate the gingivae), use less recommended fluoride toothpastes, and spend shorter amounts of time in appointments. As such, male patients are at a higher risk of periodontal disease, oral cancer and dental trauma.iii
Breaking traditions
Psychologically, there are some explanations as to why men are not as motivated to seek help with their health unless there is a physical complication. Traditional masculinity champions strength, independence, invulnerable and stoicism – a sense of being in charge and avoiding emotion. There has been a great deal of coverage on how maintaining these values make men reluctant to seek mental health treatment – or any type of support.[iv] As such, many simply endure their problems, rather than tackle them or, even better, prevent them in the first place.
Educationally, male patients may also take their oral health for granted and are unfamiliar with how the mouth can affect the body’s overall health. It has been found that men and women have the same level of knowledge on oral health, but have different interests and behaviours that lead to the disparities in dental hygiene habits and oral diseases.[v] This is where dental professionals can help by encouraging behaviour change.
Never too late to learn
Getting male patients to maintain regular appointments can be a challenge, but encouraging them to be proactive in their oral hygiene will make a difference; a preventive action that ensures their daily dental care reaches a high standard of cleanliness.
As every patient is unique, dental professionals must tailor their guidance to match the individual’s needs and experiences. If a patient attends the practice with a problem, such as inflamed gingivae, then this can be a great learning curve by showing how preventive actions can reduce the risk of it happening again. By giving them the skills and knowledge needed to look after their oral health, and therefore their overall health, male patients can feel empowered in protecting their teeth and gingivae.
The iTOP programme from Curaden provides dental professionals with a comprehensive breakdown in correct brushing technique and the significance of preventive action. Dental professionals who complete the two-day iTOP Advanced seminar will gain deeper expertise in individual oral prophylaxis and how to show their patients the best ways at reducing the risk of caries and periodontitis, supporting a healthier smile for a healthier body.
Reduce disparities
There are many gaps between male and female patients, from the prevalence of oral diseases to how often they visit a dentist. By educating male patients on the impact oral health has on the rest of the body, and how preventive action can change this, dental professionals can narrow the disparities in health that affect men.
To arrange a Practice Educational Meeting with your Curaden Development Manager please email us on sales@curaden.co.uk
For more information, please visit www.curaprox.co.uk and www.curaden.co.uk
Andrew Turner – Curaden UK Head of Marketing UK & Ireland
[i] Ramsay, D.A. and Bunn, S. (2024). Men’s health. [online] POST. Available at: https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pb-0056/.
[ii] Fu, D., Shu, X., Zhou, G., Ji, M., Liao, G. and Zou, L. (2025). Connection between oral health and chronic diseases. MedComm, [online] 6(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.70052.
[iii] Lipsky, M.S., Su, S., Crespo, C.J. and Hung, M. (2021). Men and Oral Health: A Review of Sex and Gender Differences. American Journal of Men’s Health, [online] 15(3), p.155798832110163. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883211016361.
[iv] Mokhwelepa, L.W. and Sumbane, G.O. (2025). Men’s Mental Health Matters: The Impact of Traditional Masculinity Norms on Men’s Willingness to Seek Mental Health Support; a Systematic Review of Literature. American Journal of Men’s Health, 19(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883251321670.
[v] Sfeatcu, R., Balgiu, B.A., Mihai, C., Petre, A., Pantea, M. and Tribus, L. (2022). Gender Differences in Oral Health: Self-Reported Attitudes, Values, Behaviours and Literacy among Romanian Adults. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(10), p.1603. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm12101603.
