Many people find tooth flossing a chore, but would you be more likely to brush and floss regularly if you knew it might lessen your chance of getting erectile dysfunction? I know - having fresh breath is always beneficial to your love life, but what could your oral hygiene habits possibly have to do with your sexual functioning?Well, researchers haven't found a direct link, but studies have found a marked correlation between gum disease and ED. In one study, four out of five men with severe ED had periodontal disease (gum disease); among men with mild ED the rate was less than two in five.
Gum disease is also linked to a number of other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Periodontitis can result in bacteria from the mouth finding their way into the blood stream, causing damage to blood vessels. One theory is that this vascular damage extends to the blood vessels in the penis.
Whatever the connection, there's no real downside to maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy smile, and it may contribute to your overall health as well.
