The answer to this is yes, oral hygiene can affect my sex life and in more ways than one. If you are male then this is definitely the time to sit up and take notice. A recent study carried out in Taiwan showed there could be a link between erectile dysfunction and severe gum disease or periodontal disease.
Study Shows Link between Erectile Dysfunction and Severe Gum Disease
This was a population-based study looking at 33,000 Taiwanese men afflicted with erectile dysfunction, comparing them with 162,000 Taiwanese men who were able to function normally. Both groups were tracked for a period of five years to try to discover whether or not there was a link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction. The results showed that 27% of the group with erectile dysfunction had periodontitis, compared to just 9% of the group who did not have any sexual problems. This is quite a difference, especially when you consider the comparison group is nearly 5 times the size of the group with erectile dysfunction. It’s not quite clear why there should be this link between erectile dysfunction and periodontal disease, but it is thought it’s due to the disease being inflammatory, and that this could damage the blood vessels leading to the penis.
If You Want a Healthy Sex Life then Look After Your Teeth
Periodontal disease can be a huge problem, as it is the major reason why teeth are lost, and numerous studies have linked it to other serious health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. If you want a healthy sex life then you need to make sure you have a healthy mouth and a healthy body. In addition you’re more likely to find your partner wants to become intimate with you if your teeth are healthy and clean, and your breath is fresh.
All it takes is Preventative Dental Care
Luckily it is relatively easy to get and maintain good dental health, and if you are overdue for your professional cleaning and checkup, then now would be a great time to book that appointment. Dr. Penchas or another of our dentists can check the health of your teeth and gums, and will devise a suitable treatment plan for any signs of periodontal disease. Regular professional cleanings are extremely important, as they help to keep your gums healthy and strong, lessening the chances of you developing gum disease. At the end of your hygiene treatment your breath should be fresher, and your teeth should look a bit whiter from being polished which could help improve your appeal!
Our hygienists can also advise you on the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy at home, and the best tools to use. Once your teeth and gums are in good condition then it is quite straightforward to keep them that way, hopefully decreasing your chances of experiencing erectile dysfunction.
