Men's oral health and heart risk
Heart disease is the top cause of death for American men.1 When it comes to improving their heart health, many men turn to fitness but often overlook a key player in their overall well-being: their mouth.
Research is limited, but evidence shows a link between oral health and heart disease.2 Here, we explain this connection and why more men should pay more attention to dental hygiene as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
The oral and heart health link
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is more than just an issue for your teeth. It’s an inflammatory condition that can affect other areas of your body, including your heart. Research shows that people with gum disease are 28% more likely to have a heart attack than those who do not have gum disease.3
How does this happen? Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, triggering inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation may contribute to the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart disease.2
Why men are at higher risk
Men often face unique challenges in maintaining oral health. In 2019 and 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that men were less likely than women to see a dentist.4 Drilling down further, men aged 27-44 are the most likely group to skip annual dental exams, according to research conducted by Delta Dental.5 This tendency to avoid routine dental care can lead to undetected oral health issues that can put your overall health at risk.
Additionally, men are more likely to smoke tobacco, which is a major risk factor for both gum disease and heart problems.6
Protecting your oral and heart health
Here are four steps men can take right now to protect both their oral and heart health:
- Brush and floss daily: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily help remove plaque and reduce your risk of gum disease.
- Schedule twice-yearly dental checkups: Visiting the dentist every 6 months allows for deep cleanings and early discovery of oral health problems.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Limiting sugar and incorporating fruits, low-fat dairy, vegetables and whole grains can benefit both your oral and cardiovascular systems.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and heart disease. Quitting will improve every area of your health.
Men, make your preventive dental appointment today
Caring for your oral health is not just about having a bright smile; it’s about protecting your heart and overall health. By having good daily dental hygiene habits, seeing your dentist twice a year for preventive visits and making heart-healthy lifestyle choices, men can improve their oral and cardiovascular health.
Ready to make your oral and heart health a priority? Delta Dental of Iowa is here to help. Our online Find a Provider tool can connect you to in-network dentists near you, so you can easily make an appointment and take control of your health.
REFERENCES:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Men and heart disease
- National Library of Medicine
- Institute for Oral Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Dental care utilization
- Corridor Business Journal
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
back to Top
Delta Dental's legal benefit: Protect your smile and your legal rights
Your employees deal with a lot outside of work — having children, filing for divorce, buying homes, to name a few. Many of these “everyday” events are best served by an attorney. As an employer, it’s important that you offer your employees benefits to make their lives easier both in and out of the office.
Recognizing this growing need, Delta Dental of Iowa partners with ARAG® Legal Insurance to offer accessible and affordable legal insurance plans for companies at least 250 employees. This coverage is designed to enhance employees’ overall well-being while providing you a well-rounded benefits package that addresses real-life needs and attracts top talent.
Legal insurance: A win-win for employees and employers
Research shows that 85% of individuals have experienced a legal event in the past three years.1 Without proper support, employees often spend their own time and money trying to resolve these issues, which can negatively affect their health and productivity. In fact, 89% of consumers using an attorney without a legal plan report being stressed when it comes to knowing where to turn to get started in addressing their situation.1
Offering legal insurance is not just about supporting employees; it’s a strategic business move. When employees have access to affordable legal assistance, they are less likely to experience stress and distraction from unresolved personal issues. This translates to a more focused and productive workforce.
Highlights of this benefit
- Comprehensive coverage: ARAG Legal Insurance offers paid-in-full coverage for most covered legal matters, ensuring employees have access to quality legal assistance when they need it. The plan covers a wide range of legal issues, including:
- Family law
- Real estate
- Wills and trusts
- Traffic tickets and more
- Affordable and accessible: The plan is affordable, making legal services accessible to a broader range of employees.
- Plan options: Now offering two plan options to deliver personalized legal support at a price that fits your budget.
Added value with Identity Theft Protection
In addition to legal support, the UltimateAdvisor PlusTM plan includes comprehensive Identity Theft Protection services. This benefit is increasingly important as cybercrime and identity theft continue to rise. Coverage includes:
- Credit file monitoring to track unusual activity
- Alerts if personal information is found being bought or sold online
- Full-service restoration assistance if identity theft occurs
These services give employees the peace of mind of knowing their personal information is protected — and they can take action if something happens.
Innovatively invest in your employees
Legal insurance is more than just a perk — it’s a proactive way to support your employees through life’s challenges. By adding this benefit to your offerings, you’re not only protecting their financial and legal well-being but also fostering a more engaged workforce.
Contact your Delta Dental account manager today to learn more about how you can provide this valuable benefit to your workforce.
REFERENCES:
- ARAG Stress Research Study, general consumers and member with known legal issues, October 2022.