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Brushing teeth regularly ‘may protect against erectile dysfunction’

Good reason to reach for the toothbrush? (Getty)
Good reason to reach for the toothbrush? (Getty)

Forget white, sparkly teeth: scientists have come up with a much more persuasive reason for men to reach for a toothbrush.

Having healthy gums can prevent erectile dysfunction, a new study has suggested.

Researchers from the University of Granada found a link between a type of gum disease called periodontitis and erectile dysfunction.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums which can lead to tooth loss – and the bacteria can harm blood vessels in the penis, the researchers believe.

The study found that 74% of patients with erectile dysfunction showed signs of periodontitis, Medical Xpress reported.

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Those with severe erectile dysfunction had the worst peridontal damage.

Sufferers of periodontitis were more likely to have erectile dysfunction than those with healthy gums, the study involving 80 men found.

The researchers write, ‘Patients with erectile dysfunction showed worse periodontal condition. Chronic periodontitis seems to play a key role as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction independently of other morbidities.’

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