Researchers have shown that treating gum disease can lead to a reduction in prostate inflammation or prostatitis. Previous research has shown there is a link between gum disease and prostatitis. The research was conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the Departments of Urology and Pathology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center.
The research appear in a journal article of Dentistry titled “Periodontal Treatment Improves Prostate Symptoms and Lowers Serum PSA in Men with High PSA and Chronic Periodontitis.” The study included 27 men who were ages 21 and older. Each man had had a needle biopsy within the past year that showed inflammation of the prostate gland and elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. The men all were asked questions on the International Prostate Symptom Score regarding their quality of life and if they had any urination problems. It was found that 21 of the participants had little or mild inflammation and 15 had a biopsy confirm a malignancy.
The men included in the study all had at least 18 teeth. All the men included in the study had moderate to severe gum disease and were undergoing treatment. After four to eight weeks after treatment for gum disease, the men were tested again for the presence of gum disease and all showed improvement. A total of 21 men had their PSA levels decrease after having their gum disease treatment. It was shown that the men with the most inflammation benefited the most from the periodontal treatment.
During the periodontal care, the men received no treatment for their prostate conditions. But even without prostate treatment, 21 of the 27 men showed decreased levels of PSA. Those with the highest levels of inflammation benefited the most from the periodontal treatment. Six participants showed no changes.
As a result of this study if men have both prostate inflammation and gum disease, they should consider having their gum disease treated to help also reduce their prostate inflammation.
Source: Naif Alwithanani and Nabil F Bissada, “Periodontal Treatment Improves Prostate Symptoms and Lowers Serum PSA in Men with High PSA and Chronic Periodontitis.” vol. 05, issue 03, Dentistry, 2015.