We are big on preventative dentistry at eDental Perth because we know it can preserve a smile for a lifetime. But even we have been pleasantly surprised by current research showing that a healthy smile has more benefits than we originally thought.
Gum Disease and Prostatitis
Recently, the Dental School at Case Western Reserve University collaborated with the Pathology and Urology Departments at Case Medical Center’s University Hospitals. Recent studies have demonstrated an irrefutable link of gum disease to inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis, but the study at Case Western goes a step further. According to the study, treating gum disease can reduce prostatitis symptoms.
The study, called “Periodontal Treatment Improves Prostate Symptoms and Lowers Serum PSA in Men with High PSA and Chronic Periodontitis,” was lead by researcher Naif Alwithanani and was published in the February issue of Dentistry, an industry journal.
The Results
According to corresponding author Nabil Bissada, the study shows that treating gum disease has a positive effect on the lives of those who also have prostatitis. According to Bissada, periodontal disease affects much more than the mouth because it sets into motion systemic inflammation that can manifest in other body parts.
The work is an extension of previous work at Case Western, where they have established the relationship of gum disease to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and fetal deaths.
The study was performed on 27 males who documented cases of prostatitis and elevated levels of prostate specific antigen or PSA, which are indicators of inflammation, as well as cancer. The levels of prostate disease were checked using the International Prostate Symptom Score or IPSS test. Among the 27, 21 tested mild inflammation or none at all, but 15 of the 21 had malignancies confirmed by biopsies.
All were found to have gum disease and received treatment that improved their periodontal health within 4 to 8 weeks. Even though they did not receive treatment for prostate disease, 21/27 showed improved results in prostate testing.
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