A healthy mouth is also key to a healthy body, as gum disease has been linked to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s. Increasing evidence shows that periodontitis – a severe form of gum disease – is also linked to erectile dysfunction and possibly prostate cancer, highlighting once again how closely linked oral health is to overall health. Men with periodontitis are two to three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, according to recent analyses.
There are many diseases and conditions associated with erectile dysfunction, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, poorly controlled diabetes, and obesity. As these conditions also increase the risk of periodontitis, part of the association could arise from these common risk factors.”
James Deschner, Chair of the Scientific Affairs Committee of the European Federation of Periodontology
“Therefore, studies try to exclude, control or statistically adjust for such common risk factors where possible to better understand the relationship between these two diseases. However, there may also be unknown or not fully understood risk factors that influence this relationship,” Deschner emphasizes.
Severe gum disease is a major global health problem, affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases, including periodontitis, affect approximately 3.7 billion people worldwide (11).
In severe periodontitis, microorganisms, their components and products, and inflammatory molecules enter the systemic circulation. They can thus cause direct and indirect damage, including vascular damage, to other parts of the human body. Periodontitis can promote early vascular changes that are considered early markers of atherosclerosis. On the contrary, treatment of periodontitis can lead to improvement of these changes. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that periodontitis could also affect the function of penile vessels. Erectile dysfunction is characterized by reduced dilation of the penile vessels. Nitric oxide is necessary for dilation and therefore blood flow in the penile vessels. However, the concentration of nitric oxide decreases in the presence of oxidative stress. Atherosclerotic changes, which are promoted by pro-inflammatory cytokines, also lead to a decrease in penile vessel dilation and blood flow. Through inflammatory molecules and oxidative stress, periodontitis could therefore contribute to vascular erectile dysfunction.
“Studies also show that periodontitis can affect sperm quality and quantity, and several meta-analyses have found an association between gum disease and prostate cancer. While more research is needed to confirm these relationships, experts agree that the evidence underscores the importance of oral health as part of overall well-being,” says Deschner.
Men tend to have lower health awareness, less consistent oral hygiene, and higher rates of smoking and unhealthy eating. Enhancing oral health habits could be a simple but important step towards improving men’s overall well-being. EFP recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth daily, scheduling regular professional cleanings, and seeking prompt dental advice in case of bleeding gums.
“Oral health is not a luxury—it’s a vital part of overall health, especially for men. Regular dental visits and proper daily oral hygiene can help prevent or delay heart disease, diabetes complications, and even erectile dysfunction,” Deschner emphasizes.
