A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reports that men with severe gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction, especially those in their 30s.
Experts, including James Deschner of the European Federation of Periodontology, explain that oral inflammation harms blood vessels and can worsen erection problems, noting that “there are numerous diseases and conditions associated with erectile dysfunction, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, poorly controlled diabetes and obesity, because they share common risk factors.”
Deschner added that “severe gum disease (periodontitis) may affect sperm quality and quantity,” with evidence also linking it to prostate cancer. With more than a billion people affected globally, experts stress that regular dental care, proper daily oral hygiene, and prompt attention to symptoms like bleeding gums are vital because oral health is a key part of men’s overall wellbeing.