Gum disease affects more than just your mouth. In a new study, researchers said men with severe gum disease are two to three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
The study published in the “Journal of Sexual Medicine” said that men in their 30s who had severe gum disease were thrice more likely to suffer from erection problems than those who didn’t have gum disease.
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) in a media post also warned that gum health impacts men’s health more than people realise.
According to James Deschner, chair of the European Federation of Periodontology’s Scientific Affairs Committee, “There are numerous diseases and conditions associated with erectile dysfunction, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, poorly controlled diabetes and obesity, because they share common risk factors.”
“Studies therefore attempt to exclude, control for, or statistically adjust for such common risk factors where possible to better understand the relationship between these two diseases. However, there may also be unknown or not yet fully understood risk factors influencing this relationship,” said Deschner.
Severe gum disease is a major global health issue, affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. It is a progression of gum disease that can result in loose teeth, pus, intense pain, and persistent bad breath.
According to the World Health Organisation, oral diseases, including severe gum disease, affect approximately 3.7 billion people globally.
Unhealthy gums create inflammation that harms your blood vessels, and that makes erections more difficult.
Erectile dysfunction can affect men at any age, but it becomes more common as men get older. It can happen sometimes or often, and it has many possible causes, including physical causes like heart or blood vessel problems, emotional or mental causes like stress and relationship problems, and lifestyle factors like poor diet and poor sleep.
According to Deschner, “Studies also suggest that severe gum disease (periodontitis) may affect sperm quality and quantity, and several meta-analyses have found an association between gum disease and prostate cancer. While more research is needed to confirm these relationships, experts agree that the evidence underscores the importance of oral health as part of overall wellbeing.”
While noting that oral health is not a luxury but a vital part of general health, especially for men, Deschner declared that regular dental visits and proper daily oral hygiene can help to prevent or delay heart disease, diabetes complications, and even erectile dysfunction.
Men tend to have lower health awareness, less consistent oral hygiene, and higher rates of smoking and unhealthy diets. Strengthening oral health habits could be a simple yet important step toward improving men’s overall wellbeing.
The EFP recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth daily, scheduling regular professional cleanings, and seeking dental advice promptly in case of bleeding gums.
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