Avoid tooth inflammation, stay away from sexual impotence!
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem affecting millions of men worldwide. Among the multiple causes of this pathology, which affects the male reproductive system, we can find dental inflammations.
In fact, although its causes are often attributed to psychological, hormonal or cardiovascular factors, a less discussed aspect is the relationship between oral health and erectile function.
Recent studies show that periodontal diseases can have an impact on this condition which greatly affects men’s quality of life and self-esteem.
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Why does erectile dysfunction happen?
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that relates to the inability of a man to achieve an erection which may result from physical or psychological factors and even a combination of both.
In a case of periodontitis, characterized by chronic inflammation of the gums, the alveolar bone and connective tissues that prevent teeth from shifting become damaged. In other words, periodontal bacteria cause dental inflammation, which generates inflammatory cytokines that damage vascular endothelial cells.
This endothelial dysfunction also occurs in the blood vessels of the penis that lose the ability to dilate properly, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
In fact, the bacteria present in the mouth of patients with gingivitis or periodontitis can enter the bloodstream, promoting the formation of arterial plaques and leading to atherosclerosis.
This phenomenon reduces the blood flow needed for a proper erection. Thus, by neglecting oral health, men may unknowingly be compromising their sex life.
Main causes of erectile dysfunction
As we have already seen, erectile dysfunction occurs due to a combination of physical, psychological and hormonal factors that affect the man’s ability to obtain or maintain a satisfactory erection. Some of the main causes include:
- Physical causes
– Vascular problems: Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can reduce blood flow to the penis.
– Diabetes: Can cause nerve and blood vessel damage, affecting erection.
– Hypertension: High blood pressure can compromise the circulation necessary for an erection.
– Periodontal disease: Chronic inflammation in the mouth can lead to endothelial dysfunction and compromise blood flow.
- Psychological causes
– Anxiety and stress: emotional factors can interfere with sexual response.
– Depression: affects libido and erectile function.
– Low self-esteem: fear of performance can exacerbate the problem.
- Hormonal causes
– Low testosterone: the deficiency of this hormone can reduce sexual desire and erectile function.
- Habits and lifestyle
– Smoking: damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow.
– Excessive alcohol consumption: can harm the central nervous system.
– Sedentary lifestyle and obesity: lack of physical activity is linked to vascular problems.
Relationship between dental inflammation and the risk of male sexual impotence
A review of a study published in the scientific journal Journal of Sexual Medicine notes that men who do not brush their teeth at least twice a day are up to three times more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction.
From what has been said so far, we can see that there is a relationship between oral hygiene and the health of the penile blood vessels, to the extent that the penile blood vessels suffer the harmful effects of periodontitis before coronary vessels.
Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, suggests that “74% of patients with impotence had symptoms of periodontitis. And those who suffered from impotence to a greater degree, also had more periodontal injuries.”
In short, men with periodontal disease have a 2.28 times higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction compared to those who maintain good oral health.
This is because inflammation caused by periodontal disease can affect the vascular endothelium, the tissue that lines blood vessels and is essential for good blood circulation and erectile function.
Faced with a picture of sexual dysfunction, another study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that after six months of periodontal treatment, many patients with erectile dysfunction showed significant improvements in erectile function.
Gentlemen’s agreement': treating oral health
The relationship between erectile dysfunction and oral health is a topic that deserves attention, perhaps more than it ever has.
In fact, taking care of oral health is not just a matter of aesthetics or comfort but also a way to improve quality of life and overall health.
As a gentlemen’s agreement, our “treaty” includes scheduling a consultation at A Clínica Dr. Pedro Mota, as it will be an act of virility that will help you to get away from sexual impotence!
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