A new research has found that treating gum disease can offer relief to men suffering from a prostate condition that makes urination difficult.
The findings showed that gum disease treatment can reduce symptoms of prostatitis, (prostate inflammation) a disease that inflames the semen producing gland.
This study shows that the symptoms of prostatitis and the quality of life for those who have the disease, can be improved, if we treat the gum disease, said corresponding author Nabil Bissada of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine.
Gum disease is a system-wide condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body.
The researchers studied 27 men, 21 years old and older. Each man had had a needle biopsy that confirmed inflammation of the prostate gland, as well as blood test that showed possible signs of inflammation and cancer because of elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels.
15 out of 27 participants had biopsy-confirmed malignancies, while 21 of the 27 participants had no or mild inflammation
All 27 men had moderate to severe gum disease, for which they received treatment and when they were tested again for periodontal disease four to eight weeks after their treatment their gums showed significant improvement.
Even without prostate treatment during their periodontal care, 21 of the 27 men showed decreased levels of PSA.
Men with the highest levels of inflammation benefited the most from the dental treatment while six participants showed no changes.
Much like cardiac patients are often encouraged to visit their dentist before undergoing heart procedures, perhaps periodontal treatment should be a standard part of treating prostate disease
Source. The findings appeared in the journal Dentistr. http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/health-news/dental-care-cuts-prostate-symptoms_1590794.html