In this world where people regularly fight for gender equality, some things remain to be different because Mother Nature says so. Patients have asked the professionals in our Lachine dental clinic if gender matters when it comes to dental problems.
The short answer is yes, gender does matter, but only to a certain extent.
Genes Are Responsible for the Structure of Tooth Enamel
If your mom or dad had particularly troublesome oral health issues, chances are, you or your siblings probably do, too. Genes play a big role in the formation and structure of your tooth enamel. In this way, it’s not about whether you’re a male or female, but rather, what genetic elements have been passed down to you that go into forming your teeth.
If you’re lucky, you inherited genes that naturally protect your enamel, which helps keep your teeth healthy. But, just because you may be fortunate in this regard, it’s no excuse to skimp on brushing, flossing, and visiting your LaSalle dental clinic regularly.
Your Habits Make a Difference
Generally speaking, people who expose their teeth to lots of acid—which can come from drinking wine, eating acidic foods, or enduring eating disorders, among other possibilities—are more likely to wear down the enamel of their teeth, no matter which gender they are.
Acid erosion eats away at the protective layer of teeth, ultimately exposing them to further damage as that barrier is eliminated.
Interestingly, a recent dental study found, “that enamel from female donors is more protected against dental erosion than enamel from male donors.” This study points to the fact that two people—a boy and a girl—may have the exact same habits in terms of what they eat and how they maintain their oral health, and the boy could potentially find himself dealing with more dental issues than his female counterpart.
Other Gender Differences in Dental Care
According to Colgate, women are more likely to have regular dental checkups than men by almost double. By the numbers, this means women have less plaque and tartar buildup and fewer instances of periodontal disease because their dentists are regularly caring for their teeth.
Men tend to go longer between visits, inviting problem to build up within their mouths.
Are you in search of a dental clinic in LaSalle? Centre Dentaire is currently accepting new patients. Schedule your initial appointment online, or give us a call at (514) 367-0300!
