2-word answers: Men vs. women

Q:

Who has better teeth: men or women?

A:

Typically, women.

When it comes to oral health, women score better than men.

Women are more likely to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams, according to the American Dental Association, which conducted a study of adults ages 35 to 44. Compared to women, men have a higher tendency to avoid the dentist for years at a time.

Regular cleanings and exams can reduce the chance of cavities and gum disease and catch any issues early on. That may be why men are more likely to have untreated tooth decay.

And when women do have dental problems, they’re more likely to follow the dentist’s recommend treatment plan, according to a 2015 study in the International Dental Journal.

What’s more, female respondents were more likely than male respondents to report brushing twice a day or even after every meal.

But regardless of your sex, you can choose to protect your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss every day, and visit the dentist regularly for diagnostic and preventive care.