Does testosterone affect men’s oral health?

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

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What every man should know about his oral health

Men face some unique challenges when it comes to their oral health. From lifestyle choices to biological factors, men are more likely than women to experience problems like gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer.

But there’s good news: Many of these issues are preventable with the right habits and regular care.

Let’s take a look at why men face more oral health issues than women.

Why men have a higher risk of dental health problems

• Skipping oral hygiene basics: Studies show that men are less likely to brush and floss regularly.¹ When daily dental hygiene slips, plaque and bacteria build up, leading to cavities and gum disease.
• Avoiding regular preventive dental appointments: Men often wait until something hurts before seeing a dentist instead of seeing the dentist every 6 months for preventive care.¹ Skipping twice yearly checkups makes it harder for your dentist to catch problems early and often leads to more expensive treatments.
• Drinking and smoking: Men more commonly smoke^1,2 and excessively drink,1 and both of these habits are linked to a higher risk of oral cancer, gum disease and cavities.
• Spending more time in the sun: Men are more likely to spend time outdoors,¹ which increases their exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Sun exposure raises your oral cancer risk.
• Declining testosterone: As testosterone levels decline with age, some men may experience gum recession and even tooth loss. More research is needed to explore this link, but you can read more about the possible connection here.
• Neglecting sports protection: Men are more likely to participate in high-contact sports and less likely to wear protective gear like mouthguards.¹ This puts them at greater risk of dental injuries, including broken or knocked-out teeth.

Read more about why men are more likely to develop oral health problems here.

How men can take control of their oral health

When it comes to having good oral health, so much comes down to your daily behaviors. Adopting the healthy habits below will help reduce your risk of oral health issues and boost your overall health as well:

• Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily.
• See your dentist every 6 months for a deep cleaning and preventive checkup. If you’re experiencing low testosterone, tell your dentist.
• Limit alcohol and quit using tobacco products.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.

Although men are at greater risk for certain oral health issues, most of those risks can be reduced or even eliminated with consistent at-home dental hygiene and smart choices. These habits are simple but when done daily, they are a powerful defense against tooth and mouth diseases.

Has it been awhile since you’ve seen a dentist? It’s never too late to start a journey toward excellent oral health. You can easily find a dentist in your neighborhood with Delta Dental of Iowa’s Find a Provider tool. Enter some basic information, and you’ll have a list of nearby, in-network dentists to choose from.

REFERENCES:

National Library of Medicine

National Institute on Drug Abuse