Men, experts have just issued a dire warning. If you ignore gum disease and it’s not just your dashing smile you stand to lose. You could also lose your erection too.
The shocking new study was conducted at the University of Granada in Spain.
And we’re not talking about a small rise in risk here, either. Researchers found that men suffering from gum disease are more than TWICE as likely to experience erection troubles.
Which is an even bigger risk than having diabetes or heart problems.
Plus the scientists concluded that the problem goes both ways. Guys who are already experiencing bedroom issues are at a significantly higher risk for developing gum disease.
Gum disease, of course, can lead to tooth loss. And puts you at higher risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease as well.
Gum disease & performance problems
In other words, you shouldn’t dismiss trouble in the mouth OR trouble in the sack.
And as bizarre as a link between your mouth and your nether regions sounds, there’s a good reason they’re connected. Well, two good reasons, actually.
First, gum disease leads to widespread inflammation. And that inflammation affects the small blood vessels in the groin area, making rising to the occasion a challenge. (Eventually, it begins to affect larger arteries, giving it that link to heart disease.)
Second, experts say both gum disease and erectile dysfunction are linked to a protein your liver produces. The researchers found this protein, called CRP, was significantly higher in the men who had gum disease or (and) erection issues.
CRP is a red flag for inflammation
Now longtime, savvy Healthier Talk readers might think CRP sounds familiar. And that’s because we’ve talked about it before.
CRP stands for C-reactive protein. It circulates in your blood, especially when there’s inflammation present. We’ve warned readers before that it’s a much more accurate indicator of a heart problem than looking at cholesterol levels alone.
And this new research means it’s likely a big player in gum disease and performance problems too.
You can lower your CRP levels naturally. I’ll share some quick tips on how to do that in just a few moments. But first, let’s get back to that gum disease.
Fight gum disease with good dental care
When you have gum disease, or what docs call periodontitis, the tissues surrounding your teeth swell and become sore or infected. A buildup of bacteria in your mouth are behind the condition.
Doctors say most adults have some degree of gum disease. But the good news is there’s a simple solution. And that’s diligent dental care.
That means brushing your teeth twice a day and making regular visits to see a dentist. A routine which could help you avoid not only gum disease but the bedroom blues too.
Just keep in mind that the toothpaste you choose matters. Many commercial products have ingredients that you’re better off avoiding. Three of the worst offenders are…
- Diethanolamine (DEA): A foaming agent. When mixed with other common ingredients can form NDEA, linked to stomach, esophageal, liver and bladder cancers
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent which could weaken teeth. Often contaminated with cancer-linked chemicals in processing
- Triclosan: An antibacterial product and endocrine disruptor. Contributes to antibiotic resistance and rise of superbugs
And then there is TiO2, or E171, a brightening agent that’s surprisingly hard to avoid because it typically doesn’t appear on labels. The only way you can be sure to avoid TiO2 is to make your own toothpaste at home.
One simple recipe to try is to mix one teaspoon of baking soda, a drop of pure essential peppermint oil, and few drops of water to form a paste. Use as you would a regular toothpaste
Tackle CRP with a few diet tweaks
And now it’s time to tackle that CRP. The simplest way to do that is to lower overall inflammation in the body.
The typical Western diet is far too high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and far too low in anti-inflammatory omega-3s. But making a few diet tweaks can help tip the scale back into the right direction.
- Vegetable oils: Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are loaded with omega-6s. Check labels carefully and avoid store-bought potato chips, corn chips, crackers and cookies which are often the worst offenders.
- Nut oils: Most nut oils tend to be high in omega-6s too. Replace them with organic, extra-virgin olive oil and coconut oil.
- Fish oil: Fish oil is full of omega-3s. Take a tablespoon of cod-liver oil and 1,500 milligrams of DHA daily or a quality fish oil supplement from a maker you trust.
Men don’t let a tooth problem turn into a bedroom problem too. Start taking care of your teeth today to avoid gum disease and erection troubles at the same time.
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