According to a recent study by the Cleveland Clinic, men aren’t going to the doctor for regular checkups as they should. 72% of survey respondents said they’d rather do household chores like clean the bathroom or mow the lawn than go to the doctor. Similarly, three-quarters of men who are married or in a domestic partnership would rather go shopping with their significant other than visit the doctor.
Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and may neglect their oral health for years, according to the American Dental Association.
Why are men avoiding the dentist?
For many men, it’s simple. They don’t want to “bother” the doctor or dentist because they think the problem will likely just resolve on its own. For others, it’s fear-based. They are afraid of what the diagnosis or outcome of an issue could reveal.
Avoiding the dentist is part of a larger oral health problem that has men dodging routine at-home dental care too. Consider the following:
- Men are less likely to brush their teeth after every meal compared to women
- Men are less likely to brush their teeth twice a day compared to women
- Men are more likely to have untreated dental decay compared to women
- Plan ahead—book an appointment when you’re not in a rush to reduce your stress
- Take a few slow, deep breaths after arriving at the office if you feel tension rising
- Let your dentist know if you’re feeling anxious, he or she might have some relaxation techniques to try
Men, Avoiding the Dentist is Bad for Your Health