Benevis Raises Visibility for Sex- and Gender-Specific Oral Healthcare Trends During Women’s Health Month
May 13 2024 - 10:00AM
Benevis, a leading dental healthcare and orthodontics delivery
organization committed to providing quality care to underserved
communities, and its 100-plus dental offices in 13 states and the
District of Columbia, kicks off Women’s Health Month in May
by calling attention to oral healthcare trends and health risks
that impact women most. Women’s Health Month is a time when the
healthcare industry unites to focus on the importance of female
self-care and ensures that women are taking the necessary steps to
protect their long-term physical well-being of which oral health is
intrinsically linked.
While cisgender men and women have physical differences, there
are also considerable variances in how gender impacts behaviors and
social differences to maintain oral health. In Benevis’ recently
released 2024 Oral Health Report Women vs. Men, the company dives
into some of the most prominent disparities about how each gender
approaches care. Women, for example, tend to have better overall
oral health than men, with research showing that they are more
likely to visit the dentist regularly and adhere to good oral
hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing daily. Men reportedly
are 40% less likely to brush their teeth after every meal than
women. Yet regardless of better self-care efforts, studies also
indicate that women have a greater likelihood of developing
cavities when compared to men who instead tend to have a higher
risk for oral cancer.
The report also highlights the impact that hormonal changes
during pregnancy can have on women’s oral health, making women more
vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Negative birth outcomes are
also often linked to neglected oral health in pregnancy, including
preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), preterm birth, and
infants with low birth weight. Yet while the risks of poor oral
health during pregnancy are recognized, many women choose to forgo
preventive treatments during this time due to misconceptions that
it is not safe. Cost of oral healthcare can also be of concern to
expectant mothers which is why, as recently as 2022, every state in
the U.S. plus the District of Columbia provides pregnant and
postpartum Medicaid enrollees with dental coverage for 60 days
post-birth.
“Sex- and gender-related health disparities in oral health
continue to be underappreciated and overlooked relative to
well-being, which calls for an increased emphasis on improving oral
health in a way that addresses both sexes and the differences
between them when it comes to how they pursue care,” said Dr. Jane
Whang, Benevis Regional Director of Clinical. “Through proper
education and access to high-quality oral care resources like those
offered by Benevis, we believe all of our patients are
well-positioned to improve the state of their health now, while
preparing for new oral care needs that may present in the
future.”
Benevis is committed to delivering on its mission to improve
patients’ lives by changing the paradigm of dental health in the
United States. This includes striving to educate all patients
about the importance of practicing good oral health habits such as
regular check-ups and proper hygiene routines to take care of their
teeth and gums. In support of this effort, the dental healthcare
organization offers a variety of oral health resources to inspire
all patients and healthcare providers to focus on the importance of
self-care and dental health throughout the year.
To read Benevis’ 2024 Oral Health Report Women vs. Men in full
please click here.
To view the 2024 Oral Health Report Women vs. Men video please
click here.
About Benevis
Benevis is a leading dental healthcare delivery organization for
practices focused on delivering life-changing oral care and
orthodontics to underserved communities. Through comprehensive care
and operational services that expand access to dentistry, Benevis
has a 20-year history of providing the highest quality care to
approximately 5 million children and adults. Its network reaches
more than 100 locally branded dental offices across the U.S. that
deliver treatment through 1.4 million visits each year. Benevis
also advocates for programs and legislation that ensure all
families have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve.
For more information, visit Benevis.com.
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Jessy Green
Benevis
401-490-9700
benevis@svmpr.com