CDPHP, Delta Dental Urging Local Men to Be Proactive about Dental Health

Men: 6% less likely to visit a dentist, 5% more likely to develop gum disease, and 40% less likely to brush their teeth after meals

ALBANY, N.Y. – June 12, 2024 – They are startling statistics that could lead to a lifetime of health concerns for local men. Today, Delta Dental and CDPHP highlight the concerning trends among men: they are 6% less likely to visit a dentist and 5% more likely to develop gum disease compared to women and are 40% less likely to brush their teeth after meals. With oral health linked to heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and more, the organizations are encouraging men to take advantage of their dental benefits and schedule an appointment.

“We want our members to know that they have coverage for important dental services, and that we can help them find a dentist and make an appointment,” said Elizabeth Warner, MD, chief medical officer for CDPHP. “Good at-home oral care should be practiced, but it’s not enough. Regularly scheduled dental check-ups allow dentists and hygienists to catch problems that our members may not see.”

All Smiles Welcome – a campaign that encourages CDPHP members to utilize their available dental benefits through Delta Dental – usually focuses on children. Recently, the target audience has widened to include males of all ages due to their low utilization rates.

And, men have especially good reasons to pay attention to their oral health:

• 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.

• Studies show that men's lifestyles can put them at higher risk for dental problems. They're more likely than women to chew tobacco, smoke and over-consume alcohol — harmful activities that can lead to many health issues, including oral cancer, gum disease and other health issues.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the United States have untreated tooth decay.

CDPHP members can find in-network Delta Dental dentists at AllSmilesWelcome.com or by calling Delta Dental Customer Service at 800-542-9782.

###

About All Smiles Welcome

Delta Dental developed the All Smiles Welcome campaign to encourage CDPHP members to take advantage of the dental benefits available through their plan. CDPHP member plans include most regular and routine dental services for free. These dental benefits include preventive services like teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and molar sealants as well as restorative services to fix problems. To view the full list of covered services, visit AllSmilesWelcome.com.

Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 36 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Contact:
Natalia Burkart
CDPHP
natalia.burkart@cdphp.com
518-542-8524