Men’s Prostrate Health Improved By Healthy Gums

Posted on Aug 04, 2015 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may have read warnings about internal inflammation. Inflammation is actually the body’s reaction to protect against a harmful presence. It’s a good thing. An example would be the redness and slight swelling around a cut. The body is trying to heal itself by sending its guardian force of white blood cells to combat bacteria during the process.

However, medical research has found that sometimes this inflammation is unable to turn itself off. This is known as chronic inflammation, which has now been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, allergies, diabetes and depression.

With chronic inflammation, white blood cells are called to respond to an infection even though no infection exists. This confused immune reaction then causes the white blood cells go rogue. They begin to attack internal organs and even other cells.

Like other infections in the body, the root cause of periodontal (gum) disease is bacteria. When an overload of oral bacteria gather, white blood cells are signaled to begin the healing process. Like other diseases, gum disease can worsen beyond what a troop of white blood cells can handle. This creates oral bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory reactions elsewhere.

Prior research has linked the inflammation of gum disease bacteria to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency. Now, a recent study at Case Western University shows a potential correlation between prostatitis (an infection of the prostate) to gum disease bacteria.

Prostatitis causes difficulty urinating and a frequent urge to urinate. In the study, participants were all males showing periodontal disease symptoms as well as elevated PSA levels (prostrate specific antigen). Notable improvement in PSA levels was shown within one month after they received treatment for gum disease. This improvement occurred just as notably in those who received no prostrate treatment during this time.

Because of prior research, many cardiologists urge their patients to have screening and treatment, if needed, for periodontal disease prior to surgery. These latest findings related to prostrate health may cause urologists to encourage patients with prostrate problems to achieve and maintain good oral health as well.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, the condition will only worsen without treatment. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Common symptoms of gum disease, in early stages, include tender gums that bleed while brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen gums around teeth and gums that turn from a healthy pink to red. As periodontal disease advances, pus pockets will form on gum tissue and teeth will begin to loosen.

A Periodontist has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Through this care, your mouth can be restored to a healthy state, giving you the foundation needed to maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Call (828) 274-9440 for an examination or visit the web site of the American Academy of Periodontology: www.perio.org.