Turkish study associates periodontal disease with Erectile dysfunction (ED).

• Researchers looked at 162 men with gum disease (periodontal disease) examining the amount of plaque and bleeding during examination. They then filled out an ED questionnaire.

• 19 out of 82 men with periodontal disease  had no ED while 42 if the 82 with periodontal disease did suffer from ED ( and men with ED REALLY suffer).

• The mechanism of how periodontal disease may cause ED is still unclear. (2012)

My take on this & Doggy bag

PD = ED

Bleeding gums are a signed of periodontal disease (PD). If your toothbrush is pink after brushing your teeth you may have PD.  The gums ( as is the penis) is a barometer to the rest of the body. Research has associated gum problems with cardiovascular disease rheumatoid arthritis and dementia (Otomo-Corgel et al. 2012). PD is likely a systemic inflammatory problem not just an oral problem. Systemic inflammation should be addressed as it often lead to heart disease generalized pain and cancer ( just to name a few).

What to do  6 practical tips:

1. Have your doctor measure your C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels on your next blood test. High CRP is associated to PD (Ramamoorthy et al. 2012). Heads up! Physicians are not routinely ordering this test unless there is heart disease involved. Everyone should get their CRP taken regardless of cardiovascular risk. It's a good (not perfect) inflammatory marker.

1. Floss daily. The less food byproduct between your teeth the lower your chances developing breeding ground for bacteria.

1. Brush daily (no brainer right?)  especially at night. Saliva contains anti-microbial properties. You produce most saliva when you are awake. When sleeping you have less of the protective properties of saliva  that's partially why you have a dry mouth when you wake up. Microbes have a feast at night unless you floss and brush.

1. Get a good toothbrush and change every three months or so. I like Phillips Sonicare. Also sold at Costco.

1. For ED always address the cause first. I know you want it to work when the moment is right and that's OK but address the cause. Make sure you are not developing any cardiovascular problems or diabetes. See your cardiologist of an evaluation. When taking supplements consider those that have good quality anti-oxidants like Resveratrol and Pomegranate. See XY VGR. These natural agents should work just fine with ED meds like Viagara or Cialis if needed.

1. Naturally reduce inflammation. Sugar foods made from flour and all crappy foods increase inflammation. Natural herbs and spices like curcumin from Tumeric reduces inflammation. Consider a good quality dietary supplement likeinflammatone  that contains high quality curcumin ginger and other natural inflammatories. And yes you should eat them in food.

If your gums continue to bleed make an appointment with your dentist for a complete evaluation and treatment.

Please share freely with friends and family by Liking and Tweeting if you find this blog post valuable. Very grateful as always.

by Geo Espinosa N.D. L.Ac CNS

Geo Espinosa N.D. L.Ac CNS is the Director of the Integrative Urology Center at New York University Langone Medical Center. Before joining NYU Dr. Geo was a clinician researcher and director of clinical trials at the Center for Holistic Urology at Columbia University Medical Center. He is a licensed naturopathic doctor licensed acupuncturist and Certified Nutrition Specialist. Dr. Geo did his residency/fellowship in Urology at Columbia University Medical Center Department of Urology under Dr. Aaron Katz. His research and practice are exclusive to prostate disorders general urology and men's health. Dr. Geo is a member of the American Herbalist Guild the American Urological Association and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Dr. Geo is an author of the naturopathic entry in ""1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"" by Harper Collins; March 2007 and ""Prostate cancer Nutrients that may slow its progression"" Chapter 40 in Food and Nutrients in Disease Management - Maryland: Cadmus Publishing 2009. He has authored papers on prostate cancer and BPH in the journal of European Urology and Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice respectively. In addition he has written on integrative approaches for urologic conditions in the Washington Post Body and Soul magazine NDNR Insight - Prostate Cancer Research Institute newsletter and Bottom line health.