Researchers have linked gum disease to an number of bodily ailments, including: heart disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even diabetes. Yet, gum disease can also affect men entirely different from women.
In the following, informative article, Dr. Marco Cueva, your Allen, TX periodontist discusses how gum disease specifically affects men's overall health.
Men's Health Can Suffer from Untreated Gum Disease
- Cancer. It's been said that cancerous cells already live within in our bodies; however, without a catalyst, those cells remain dormant and cancer won't develop. Gum disease, though, is the perfect catalyst for cancer amongst men. Recent research has found that men who have had a lifelong history of periodontal disease become 14% more likely to develop cancer. These include cancers of the kidneys, pancreas, and blood.
- Heart disease. While heart disease can affect both men and women who have untreated cases of gum disease, men have a greater likelihood of developing it than women. Since men already have a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases than women, gum disease elevates said risk even more. Therefore, at the first signs of gum disease, your Allen, TX periodontist recommends coming in to receive treatment.
- Prostate health. When the prostate is healthy, it secretes a certain enzyme called, prostate-specific antigen (or PSA). The secretion of the this enzyme in small amounts in part of the natural function of the prostate. However, should the prostate become diseased, PSA levels skyrocket, which is how doctors can detect illnesses within the prostate.
Studies have proven that men with gum disease, have increased PSA production, which affirms that cases of periodontal disease affect prostate health. - Infertility. If you've been hoping to start a family soon, your gum disease may make conceiving quite difficult. Since gum disease is a type of inflammatory disease, it can lead to blood vessel damage. This damage can become widespread throughout the body and cause impotence alongside fertility issues.
For Gum Disease Treatment, Visit Periodontic Excellence
If you display signs of gum disease, take care to visit Dr. Cueva. With the correct treatment, your smile and body can return to a healthier state. To schedule an appointment with your Allen, TX periodontist, call us at (972) 390-9944. Also, visit our website for services, patient information, to read more about the team. We look forward to treating patients from Allen, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Richardson, and the neighboring cities.
