A recent meta-analysis of existing studies has shown that erectile dysfunction is more common in men with gum disease. Periodontitis, a chronic bacterial infection of the gums, is common, and a major cause of tooth loss for adults, per the study. People with periodontitis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and general inflammation—which are linked to stroke and hardening of the arteries.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), in turn, has been commonly associated with stroke and hardening of the arteries. "In our opinion, the actual biological mechanism of ED in periodontitis patients remains poorly understood," said lead researcher Dr. Zhigang Zhao of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in China.
Is there a Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Gum Disease?
In this meta-analysis, the reviewers looked at data from five different studies that were conducted between 2009 and 2014, one of which was a randomized controlled trial. Over 213,000 participants between the ages of 20-80 were included in these studies.
Upon examination, the researchers found that erectile dysfunction was far more common among men undergoing treatment for gum disease, especially for those under 40 or older than 59. When accounting for diabetes, ED was 2.28 more common in men with periodontitis than men with healthy gums, per the report in the International Journal of Impotence Research.
However, even with this data, it’s too early to suggest that all men with ED should get their teeth checked, or that any man with gum disease should worry about erectile dysfunction. While there is a link, it’s not a simple cause-and-effect relationship. One study did find that treating gum disease can improve erectile dysfunction symptoms. Therefore, it might be useful to inform patients with chronic periodontitis of the association so they can treat the disease and mitigate their risk.
How Can You Treat ED and Chronic Periodontitis?
Erectile dysfunction can be treated using physician-prescribed medications, such as Stendra. Stendra can be used on an as-needed basis for treatment of erectile dysfunction, and coupons are available to help with the cost.
You can treat gum disease with regular visits to your dentist, as well as regular brushing and flossing of the teeth. Maintaining good dental hygiene practices on a daily basis can reduce your risk for chronic periodontitis.
Conclusion
This new meta-analysis is promising in its progress toward establishing a link between chronic gum disease and erectile dysfunction. With the correct information, it may be possible to mitigate risk factors and help prevent men who are at risk for ED from developing periodontitis and vice-versa.
While the review has limitations, including the fact that erectile dysfunction and gum disease are caused by similar risk factors (aging, smoking, diabetes, coronary artery disease), it’s still a useful step. Some studies attempt to account for diabetes, but many do not attempt to account for other risk factors. Ultimately, more research on the link between chronic gum disease and erectile dysfunction is necessary, even after this meta-analysis.
