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 Chronic bacterial infection of the gums, or periodontitis, is common
and a major cause of tooth loss for adults, the authors write. The
condition has been tied to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
and general inflammation, which in turn have been tied stroke and
hardening of the arteries.
Stroke and hardening of the arteries are also associated with
erectile dysfunction (ED).
“In our opinion, the actual biological mechanism of ED in
periodontitis patients remains poorly understood,” said senior
author Dr. Zhigang Zhao of The First Affiliated Hospital of
Guangzhou Medical University in China.
“It might still be too early to suggest that men with ED should have
their teeth checked; and that men with chronic periodontitis should
worry about their sexual function,” Zhao said. “However, it might be
beneficial to inform patients with chronic periodontitis about its
association with ED.”
The reviewers analyzed data from five studies published between 2009
and 2014, including one randomized controlled trial. In total, the
studies covered 213,000 participants aged 20 to 80.
Each study found erectile dysfunction was more common among men
being treated for chronic periodontitis, particularly for those
younger than 40 and older than 59. After accounting for diabetes,
which can influence both gum disease and sexual function, erectile
dysfunction was 2.28 times more common for men with periodontitis
than for men without it, according to the report in the
International Journal of Impotence Research.
“Since chronic periodontitis had been linked with several chronic
disorders, it is sensible to recommend daily inter-dental cleaning
to reduce dental plaque and gingival inflammation,” Zhao said.
“Chronic periodontitis treatment can control or eliminate
inflammation and may reduce the risk of ED.”
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One study in 2013 found that treating periodontitis improves
erectile dysfunction symptoms.
“Furthermore, clinicians should be aware of the potential role
played by periodontitis disease in the development of erectile
dysfunction,” Zhao said.
The new review did have limitations, including the fact that
erectile dysfunction and chronic periodontitis are caused by similar
risk factors, such as aging, smoking, diabetes mellitus and coronary
artery disease. While some studies did account for diabetes, most
did not account for smoking or alcohol consumption, which can also
affect oral health and sexual function, the authors write.
Even after an exhaustive search, the evidence linking periodontitis
and ED is limited, they write.
SOURCE: http://go.nature.com/2fsCP0l International Journal of
Impotence Research, online November 10, 2016.
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