Men Beware: A New Link Between Gum Disease And Prostate Health

You may not think so but the health of your gums can affect your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to numerous health conditions throughout your body including high blood pressure, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. It has also been linked to erectile dysfunction and prostate inflammation in men. If you could help avoid many health issues simply by practicing proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist twice yearly, you would wouldn’t you? According to research, attending your dental visits is equally important as seeing your general physician, especially for men. Not only do more men present with gum disease than woman, a link between prostate health and gum disease has recently been discovered, so men beware.

Gum Disease

In most cases it is easy to keep gum disease at bay. Proper oral hygiene and twice yearly visits to the dentist for an exam and professional cleaning usually suffice. However, according to studies, men skip out on their dental appointments twice as often as women do and have a higher rate of periodontal disease than women. According to a study performed by Case Western Reserve University, men should take their dental health more seriously. A research study performed on 27 men at least 21 years of age indicated a link between periodontal disease and prostate trouble. A needle biopsy performed on the men showed an inflamed prostate and elevated levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Elevated levels of PSA are found in men with prostate cancer and other prostate issues. Fifteen of the men had malignancies. The men were also examined for symptoms of gum disease including loose teeth and inflamed and/or bleeding gums.

Results

All of the men presented with gum disease from moderate to severe. After receiving periodontal treatment they were examined again four to eight weeks later to find that PSA levels in 21 of the 27 men had decreased, indicating a strong link between periodontal disease and prostrate troubles.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.