Research suggests that brushing and flossing regularly could have an impact on men’s sex lives.  It is thought that gum disease can reduce the elasticity of the endothelial lining of blood vessels.  Reduction in overall blood vessel health may also be linked to erectile dysfunction.  Scientists have found that men in their 30’s who had severe periodontal disease were more than 3 times as likely to suffer from erection problems than were those with healthy gums.

How do we explain the link between oral health and sexual performance?

The potential link between dental problems and sexual performance is vascular health.  It has been established that periodontal diseases cause systemic endothelial dysfunction, which leads to vascular pathology, the most common cause of erectile dysfunction.

Some studies have shown a correlation between chronic periodontitis and systemic vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and premature births.  In addition to causing tooth loss, periodontitis can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.  Research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can be inhaled or enter your bloodstream through your gum tissue, affecting your lungs, heart and other parts of your body.  For instance, bacteria may travel to the arteries in your heart, where they can trigger a cycle of inflammation and arterial narrowing that contributes to heart attacks.  Erectile dysfunction and chronic periodontitis in humans are caused by similar risk factors, such as aging, smoking, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease

Healthy Gums = Healthy Sex Life

Research offers reason to consider that diseases of the mouth should be taken into consideration when we assess the overall health of the body. Keeping your mouth and gums healthy can help you maintain vascular health and thereby helping you maintain blood flow to the penis and a healthy erection.  People with evidence of periodontal disease should be wondering about their general health, because it’s likely that if your gums bleed, you’re really not healthy.

How to Maintain Gum Health at Home

• Get regular professional dental cleanings, on a schedule recommended by your dentist
• Use a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every three to four months
• Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar
• Brush your teeth twice a day or, better yet, after every meal or snack
• Floss daily
• Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth
• Supplement brushing and flossing with an interdental cleaner, such as a dental pick or dental stick specially designed to clean between your teeth
• Don't rely on tartar-control toothpaste to do the job that brushing and flossing should