Gum disease hits men harder due to inflammation
Men suffer more from gum disease due to inflammation, study finds.
Why it matters
- Men are more affected by gum disease than women, and now we know why.
- This could lead to sex-specific treatments.
By the numbers
- 6,200 human samples analyzed.
- 40% of US adults aged 30+ have periodontitis (50% of men, 33% of women).
The big picture
- Findings could help treat gum disease in both sexes through different interventions.
What they're saying
- Julie Marchesan: Study pinpoints inflammasome as a driver of male-biased periodontitis, paving way for sex-specific treatments.
Caveats
- Study needs further research for treatments.
What’s next
- Developing treatments targeting IL-1β.
- Understanding mechanisms in females.