men smiling

Research has found that periodontal disease is higher in men (56.4%) than in women (38.4%)

Prostate Health

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an enzyme created in the prostate normally secreted in very small amounts. However, when the prostate becomes inflamed, infected, or affected by cancer, PSA levels rise. Research has shown that men with both periodontal disease and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) have higher levels of PSA than men with only one condition, suggesting that prostate health may be associated with periodontal health, and vice versa.

Heart Disease

Research indicates that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are associated; having periodontal disease may actually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Both diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions, and researchers believe that inflammation is the connection between gum disease and heart disease. Since men are already more likely to develop heart disease than women, maintaining periodontal health is another way to reduce this risk.

Impotence

Men with periodontal disease, especially those younger than 30 or older than 70, are at increased risk of developing impotence, according to research. Researchers believe that inflammation may be the link between the two conditions; prolonged chronic inflammation (the same type of inflammation that is associated with periodontal disease) can damage blood vessels, potentially leading to impotence.

Cancer

Research has found that men with a history of gum disease are 14 % more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. Specifically, men with periodontal disease may be 49% more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.