Periodontal Disease in Women and Men

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This manuscript will present a narrative review of the distribution of periodontitis in women and men based on recent epidemiological studies.

Recent Findings

Large, global, population-based surveys provide continued evidence that a sexual dimorphism in prevalence of periodontitis exists between women and men. Based on included studies, the prevalence of severe periodontitis is greater in men compared to women by between 4.6 to 12.7%. Environmental or behavioral factors that exhibit a sex differential between women and men do not adequately account for the aforementioned observation. A sex dimorphism in host immune response remains a plausible explanation and requires further investigation.

Summary

There is a sexual dimorphism in susceptibility to periodontitis, reflecting a higher prevalence of destructive periodontal disease in men than women.

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