If you’ve noticed that it’s become an uphill battle to achieve an erection, you may be wondering what could have lead to this predicament. You live an active lifestyle, you eat well, work hasn’t been particularly stressful, you don’t feel depressed; no matter how you look at it, there doesn’t appear to be anything that could cause erectile dysfunction. But your erectile woes may be coming from the last place you’d expect: your mouth.
Yes, though they may be on completely opposite sides of your body, it turns out that the state of your mouth can play a vital role in the health of your erection. More specifically, it’s your gums that can lead to ED.
But how could your gums be connected to the state of your erection? It all boils down to inflammation. When you don’t take care of your gums, they can become tender and irritable, which is caused by inflammation. This inflammation typically stays constrained to the gums and teeth, but the bacteria caused by inflammation can sometimes seep into the blood stream. When introduced into the bloodstream, these bacteria can lead to the blood vessels becoming damaged. When the blood vessels become damaged, blood flow is impeded, which can lead to functions that rely upon steady blood, such as the erection, to be affected. These bacteria tend to affect the smaller blood vessels first, which includes the group of blood vessels that lead to the penis. Once damaged, these blood vessels can’t properly supply the penis with blood, preventing erections from developing.
So there you have it. If you don’t look after your gums, your erection could end up paying the price. Look after your mouth, brush twice every day, floss, and practice good dental hygiene, and your blood vessels and erection will thank you.