The Tribune

DR ANDRE CLARKE

Erectile dysfunction is generally described as the inability to attain and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It usually affects men over age 40 and affects approximately one in ten men worldwide.

It is a very traumatic experience for a man and for his partner. It can cause a loss in self esteem; shatter self confidence; create anxiety; and aggravate negative relationship issues. Erectile dysfunction is serious business. It is even more serious business when researchers tell you that erectile dysfunction may have a correlation to gum disease. In short, "Brush your teeth, get an erection!"

After a comment like that, I know you must be asking yourself, "Is it true that your sex life can be dramatically affected by poor mouth health?"

Researchers in Israel, India, China and USA seem to think so. It was even published in the Journal of Periodontology with additional proclamation from the British Health Foundation. It is suggested that mouth bacteria can pass into the bloodstream and can cause erectile dysfunction. Data indicate that as the severity of erectile dysfunction increased, so did the prevalence of chronic gum disease.

Overall, more than four out of five men (81.8%) with severe erectile dysfunction had gum disease. This is compared to less than two out of five men with gum disease experiencing cases of mild erectile dysfunction. These numbers suggest a bit more than coincidence and the impact of gum on vasculogenic (related to the blood vessels) erectile dysfunction seems undeniable.

Dr Nigel Carter, the chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, believes that the stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction has prevented the open approach to investigating the connection between oral health and erectile dysfunction. He has said, "To associate gum disease, the major preventable cause of tooth loss in adults, with such a taboo subject amongst males is not something that should be taken lightly... The effect it could have on their general health poses a serious health risk to those individuals affected."

It is with a measure of sadness that I agree with Dr Carter concerning erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, I would go on to include that the ill effects of gum disease on hypertension (pressha), diabetes (suga') and heart disease are equally as, if not more, serious.

The connections between gum disease and many conditions have already been established and it is apparent that erectile dysfunction has joined the ranks of these emotionally and physically draining ailments. Erectile dysfunction joins diabetes (suga') and heart disease as health conditions that are influenced negatively by gum disease and that are also life stressors.

It is clear that we cannot escape the fact that what affects one part of the body, affects another. Bacteria from the mouth gets into the blood and/or sets up an inflammatory (causing redness, swelling and pain) process in the body and then sets out to make our illnesses worse and/or be a part of the cause of our illnesses.

Please consider deeply, all the aforementioned things I have emphasised. It will benefit you greatly.

Erectile dysfunction not only affects men in a bad way, but it affects families in a bad way. The treatment of the erectile dysfunction will not only include counseling and medication, but will include things as simple as brushing your teeth regularly and flossing. Therefore, it is important that all men keep brushing and flossing. It is equally as important, that every member of the household keep brushing and flossing: fathers, mothers and children. The benefits are many and your smiles will thank you for it. A smile will be on everyone's face.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and may not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical/dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or dental professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical/dental condition. Never disregard professional medical/dental advice or delay in seeking it because of a purely informational publication.

If you have questions, please send email to dr_andreclarke@hotmail.com.