Study Finds a Gum Disease and Impotence Link

A new study suggests that impotence isn’t only a problem which old men are at risk of but also younger men, particularly those suffering from extreme cases of periodontitis, also known as gum disease.

Conducted by Taiwan-based researchers, the study worked with data gathered from a sample size of nearly 33,000 men suffering from erectile dysfunction conditions. The study also randomly picked a total of 162,000 men without any erectile dysfunction conditions, as a control or comparison group in relation to the study.

12% of the study’s participants suffered from gum disease, as it was learned that 27% of the erectile dysfunction group was suffering from periodontitis, as 9% of those with no gum disease suffered from gum disease.

The participants’ conditions were tracked and followed for a period of five years.

All in all, the study had learned that gum disease or periodontities was found to be more common and prevalent in men suffering from erectile dysfunction, as opposed to those in the comparison or control group.

Lifestyle factors, like pre-existing medical conditions and income were considered, and after taking them into consideration, the study learned that periodontitis cases and its link with impotence occurs in men who are younger than 30 years old and older than 70 years old.

Dr. Tobias Kohler, member of the American Urology Association Public Media Committee shares in an official press statement referring to the study – “Understanding all aspects of how and why a health condition occurs is vital to prevention and treatment goals. This new study demonstrates how seemingly unrelated conditions can in fact be connected, underscoring the need for further research and education.”

Though the study did establish a link between erectile dysfunction and gum disease, it did not note that periodontitis or gum disease can cause or lead to impotence.

A number of theories pertaining to the link have, however, come up.

One theory over the link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction hails from Dr Aaron Katz, Chairman of the Department of Urology in Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York.

Dr. Katz shares “I think the link between erectile dysfunction and gum disease is likely due to inflammation in the body, and the damage in the blood vessels supplying the penis.”

The study’s results are still to be presented in the nest American Urological Association in Atlanta, and has not yet been in a medical journal, but as it is, its results have suggested a lot of inquiries over the connection between gum disease and impotence.

How Much Do Dental Porcelain Veneer Costs?

veneersA very genuine and fix question for any business is how much you have to spend in it. Dentistry is also one of those fields where cost plays an important role. Every patient asks the same question to their dentists and in many cases it becomes the first questions. Obviously, the answer is not that easy when you consider porcelain veneers for your smile makeovers. It is not a matter of being vague because of lot of issues that must be taken into consideration in cost finalization.

Your expectations and doctor’s skills with location of dental office will greatly impact the final cost. Medical insurance may cover some portion in some cases but not in all. The reason is veneers placing are considered as an elective cosmetic dentistry, so the most of the bill have to be paid out of your pocket.

It is genuine to expect high cost for a celebrity smile in big cities because of huge demand in high lifestyle society. It is not necessary that you have to visit a metro city to find a highly qualified veneer placing dentist as he/she may be found in nearby suburb.

In the USA, an average fees range is around $1,100 per tooth to $8,800 for an eight teeth restoration process. This average cost may vary from $650 to $2500 per tooth to $5,200 to $20,000 for eight anterior teeth excluding the consultation cost ($50 to $200). You also have to pay for dental lab fees, tooth impression waxes, and other additional costs. You can negotiate the cost to your dentist.

Factors affecting the porcelain veneer cost:

The porcelain veneer cost depends on various factors but usually it is always case specific. It depends on how the problem being addressed. Various common factors affecting the cost are as below:

  • Color of adjacent teeth,
  • Deep discoloration teeth, is it a problem for you?
  • Level of smile you want (celebrity smile or based on your suitability),
  • Number of current dental filling and material used in filling,
  • Number of damaged tooth,
  • Presence of any decay and gingivitis or just want to cover the dental fluorosis marks,
  • Required length of your teeth,
  • Signs of bruxism (teeth grinding),
  • Teeth alignment (normal or tilted),
  • You have to pay more if you have smoking habits,
  • How much you can spend?

So, any compound to be used in veneers placement is always depend on the answers of above mentioned questions. If your requirement is just to repair a damaged front incisor tooth, you just need veneers that match the custom shade and it will cost you much less. Your dentist may select a combined veneer or else use a ready-to-go porcelain veneer fabricated at an advanced laboratory depending on your choice.

The number of teeth plays a significant role in total cost. If you need whole upper dental arch then the cost will sharply go up. At the same time, you will get a complete set from a full range of colors and you don’t have to match a single tooth color. Another good thing is that many dentists initially offer a trial run with veneers before going to permanent restoration.

Porcelain veneer manufacturing contents:

Veneers can be made from less expensive combined resins to more expensive high-end porcelain fashioned brilliantly in advanced laboratory. Veneers can also be hand-crafted. Some dentists use a proven feldspathic porcelain veneer while other may use leucite resistant porcelain veneers or lithium disilicate glass ceramic veneers. You must ask to your dentist why a specific type of veneer he/she is going to use in your treatment.

Porcelain veneers brands:

Various well known porcelain veneers brands are Empress, Durathin, da Vinci, Lumineers, Emax, Vivaneers, and Mac. You must discuss any tooth reduction involved in the veneer brand chosen by your dentist.

Feldspathic veneer is the most recommended method for healthy teeth while pressed porcelain for teeth prone to decay. It has been observed by many dentists that pressed porcelain veneers offers maximum fit, defends against marginal teeth degradation and keep your teeth effervescence. As longevity is always the key factor when you get teeth treatment; therefore, porcelain veneer is the first choice as it lasts between 10-15 years while traditionally combined veneers just last between 5-7 years.

You are advised to do some research on cost but your final decision should not be based only on the cost as there are lot of factors need to be taken into consideration for lasting results.

Nutrition and Periodontitis

Poor nutrition is the cause of many health conditions, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Poor nutrition as a whole promotes a low quality of life and health in those who don’t take care of their nutritional needs. Now there is evidence that eating the right foods can cut down your chances of developing periodontitis. “Periodontitis can be caused by a number of factors including hormonal changes from pregnancy, prescription medications and diseases such as HIV and cancer”, says Dr. Mark W. Langberg.

Proper nutrition can cut down your risk of periodontitis.

However, there is good news for those who want to reduce their risk of developing periodontitis. Eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables can cut down your risk for periodontitis and may actually eliminate the disease after its onset. Experts recommend eating colorful foods, such as apples, bananas and tomatoes. Doing so gives the body extra nutrients that boost the immune system and increase your intake of antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial to one’s well being. They fight diseases and strengthen body tissues, including the teeth and gums.

Physical activity is also essential to maintaining good nutrition and better overall health. When combined with a good balance of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the body is better equipped to fight off intruders, such as plaque and gum erosion. Periodontitis develops when gums are inflamed by bacteria the live in the mouth. These bacteria bond themselves to the teeth and gums.

Vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits, including the ability to “travel into the arteries of your teeth,” according to 1ST-omega3.com. Calcium found in milk products also has the ability to strengthen teeth and bones. Calcium also wards off conditions, such as osteoporosis, so consuming dairy products is beneficial. A lack of calcium in your diet as a whole can weaken bones and increase your chances of developing a host of other health conditions. Consuming adequate amounts of calcium also decreases your risk of periodontitis.

Fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has the ability to fight off diseases. Consuming fish can strengthen teeth and can ward off gum inflammation typically caused by periodontitis and plaque.

Proper nutrition and oral health are codependent in promoting good dental health and reducing your risk for periodontitis. If you don’t get enough nutrition from the foods you eat, it may be beneficial to take a nutritional supplement, such as a daily vitamin. When combined with good oral hygiene, consuming healthy foods can boost immunities and make you less likely to develop periodontitis.