Researchers investigate cause of gum disease in males
Researchers from the University of Maryland Dental School have revealed that sex hormones may be the cause of higher rates of gum disease in males.
Men are at a higher risk of developing destructive periodontitis, an infection which affects the gums, than women and the research team conducted the first review of the development and treatment of gum disease, which took gender differences into account. The aim of the study was to improve management of the condition in the future.
In the paper, the authors explore biological differences between males and females, which could influence the risk of developing gum disease. The researchers came to the conclusion that sex steroids affect the immune system’s management of inflammation and also claimed that genetics could play a significant part in determining risk factors for periodontal disease.
According to Harlan Shiau, co-author of the study, differential gene regulation, especially in the genes that respond to sex steroids, could play a huge part in the difference between males and females and explain the reason why men are more prone to gum disease.
The research team carried out a systematic review of population studies and the prevalence of gum disease before the study; they concluded that gum disease is more prevalent amongst males than females. The findings have recently been published in the Journal of Periodontology.
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