Does testosterone affect men’s oral health?
Posted on October 2, 2025 in Healthy You
Testosterone is a hormone in both men and women, and it plays a major role in men’s overall health. It influences muscle mass, bone density, energy levels, mood and sexual function. In recent years, researchers have explored whether testosterone levels might also affect oral health — particularly the risk of gum disease and tooth loss as men age.
What the research says (and doesn’t say)
The research linking testosterone and oral health is limited. Small studies have suggested that men with low testosterone might be more prone to the more severe form of gum disease (known as periodontitis) and bone loss in the jaw, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.1 However, these findings aren’t conclusive and do not prove that low testosterone causes gum disease.
Research on testosterone and oral health is lacking for several reasons, including:
- Small study sizes: Many studies on testosterone and oral health involve a small number of participants, making it hard to draw broad conclusions.
- Other health factors: Gum disease and tooth loss can be caused by many things, such as dental hygiene habits, smoking, diet, genetics and other medical conditions.
- Mixed results: Some studies show a potential link between low testosterone and oral health problems, while others show no significant connection.2,3
Because of these gaps, more high-quality, large-scale research is needed before we can fully understand whether testosterone levels directly impact oral health in men.
Gum disease is still a concern for men
Regardless of hormone levels, gum disease is a major oral health issue for men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50% of men 30 years or older had some level of periodontitis compared to 33% of women.4 Without treatment, gum disease may progress from bleeding, painful gums all the way to tooth loss.
Men’s higher risk for gum disease may be caused by several factors, including declining testosterone levels, higher rates of tobacco use and less frequent preventive dental checkups. Read more about the unique oral health challenges men face here.
What men can do to protect their oral health
Regardless if low testosterone is playing a role in their oral health, men can take these simple steps to protect their teeth and mouth:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily: This removes the plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities.
- Visit the dentist twice a year: Regular dental checkups can catch problems early and help prevent more serious issues.
- Share your medical history: If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone or are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, let your dentist know. They can keep an eye out for potential changes in your oral health.
- Eat a balanced diet: Nutrient-rich foods, including low-fat dairy, fruits, veggies and lean meat, support gum and bone health.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Talk to your dentist about low testosterone
If you have low testosterone, it’s important to mention it during your dental visits. Although the link between low testosterone and oral health is not yet well understood, your dentist can monitor your gums and jawbone health more closely.
If you don’t have a dentist, Delta Dental of Iowa’s Find a Provider online tool can help you locate an in-network dentist near you.
Testosterone and oral health: The bottom line
There’s no definitive proof that testosterone levels have a major effect on men’s oral health, but research is ongoing. What we do know is that gum disease is common in men and can lead to tooth loss and other health problems, if left untreated.
The best way to protect your smile, hormones aside, is to practice good oral hygiene habits and see your dentist every 6 months. Think of it as part of your overall health plan, because a healthy mouth is a key part of a healthy body.
SOURCE:
Cleveland Clinic
REFERENCES:
National Library of Medicine
National Library of Medicine
Physician’s Journal of Medicine
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention