The amount of time you spend in your bathroom can affect the number of hours you spend in the bedroom! Yes mister, if you have been skipping looking after your dental health, then you might be facing problems with your bedroom performance. That is exactly what this study is saying, published in the Journal of Periodontology!

This study found that men with severe gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than men with healthy teeth and gums. This study which was conducted on 150 European men, found that 74% of men with erectile dysfunction also had gum disease. Erectile dysfunction is basically a man’s inability to get and maintain an erection strong enough for penetration.

In the year 2018, the Journal of Sexual Medicine published a review of 5 medical studies, establishing a link between ED and gum disease. These studies, which included over 21,000 participants, came to the conclusion that men with periodontal disease were 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ED. This does not mean that all men with gum disease will have ED; it means that men with gum disease tend to have ED more often than those without any gum disease.

So what and where does this link come from? Although scientists aren’t entirely sure what is the link, the probable connection is that gum disease leads to problems with cells that line the blood vessels. Since getting an erection also has a strong connection to blood vessels, that is, there should be sufficient blood flow to the penile area to help you get an erection, there might be a connection.

Also, it could also be to do with inflammation. Chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may damage the endothelial cells, which form the lining on all the blood vessels, including those of your penis. This damage to the endothelial cells can affect the blood flow, including the penile blood flow, leading to erectile dysfunction. Keeping in mind, that in recent years gum disease has been linked to health conditions like diabetes stroke and heart disease, it's high time for people to start caring for their teeth and gums.

As per dental experts, when you fail to look after your oral health, that gum disease may start happening gradually. Every day, bacteria and other substances cause plaque and tartar to form on teeth. If not cleaned regularly then it may lead to the formation of gingivitis, which is a milder form of gum disease. If not treated on time, this may lead to the formation of periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease.

In this, pockets develop between your gum and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria and over time, these pockets keep getting deeper. If not still treated, the infection formed can cause loss of tissue and bone, causing you to lose one or more teeth. Also, ongoing chronic inflammation can affect your overall immune system as well. The first signs of the same could be blood on your toothbrush when you brush or in the toothpaste that you spit out.

Further, your gums may also bleed when you eat, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. But the good news is that the above condition can easily be prevented and treated as well. Brushing twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes each time, flossing once a day and visiting your dentist at regular intervals, are ways in which you can maintain good oral health and hygiene.

Also, the research further says that treating the gum disease not only helps in reducing the inflammation but also helps in improved erectile functioning. But the main point is if by taking some preventive measures and by following a simple oral health care routine, you can prevent problems from cropping up later in the day in the bedroom, then why not?

Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP

gum health and ED