Bad breath, gingivitis, and impotence may seem like unrelated issues that have nothing to do with each other. However, studies both domestically and internationally have shown that men who neglect brushing their teeth are not only more prone to periodontal disease, but also three times more likely to suffer from impotence compared to men who brush their teeth regularly. Experts explain that men who do not brush their teeth, do not pay attention to oral hygiene, and especially those with unhealthy gums are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is described as "limpness" or "failure to use the male organ" in traditional Chinese medicine. Zhang Jingyue pointed out, "A man who is impotent has a failure to have an erection." Therefore, the term "impotence" was coined, which is still used today. According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a man exhibits one of the following symptoms: "flaccid and not erect," "erect but not firm," or "firm but not lasting," it can be diagnosed as impotence.
As one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in men, although impotence is not a life-threatening condition, it is closely related to the quality of life, sexual partner relationships, and family stability of the patients. It also serves as an early warning sign for many other diseases and should be taken seriously.
Discussion in Traditional Chinese Medical Literature
Experts explain that insufficient kidney qi can lead to impotence, and dental diseases are often manifestations of insufficient kidney qi. "The kidneys open into the yin. If the kidneys are exhausted, they cannot nourish the male organ, leading to weakness," as stated in "Discussion on the Origins and Symptoms of Various Diseases." "At the age of seven, a woman's kidney qi is abundant, and her teeth grow... At the age of fifty-eight, a man's kidney qi declines, and his teeth fall out..." as stated in the "Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon." This shows that the abundance of kidney essence is closely related to the condition of the teeth. If kidney qi is insufficient, the teeth will be weak and prone to falling out. "Teeth are the sign of the kidneys and the foundation of the bones," as described in "Source and Flow of Various Diseases: Diseases of the Heart, Teeth, Lips, and Tongue." Famous physician Ye Tianshi recorded in his book "Discussion on Warm Diseases," "Teeth are the surplus of the kidneys, and gums are the connection to the stomach." This indicates that the condition of the teeth is a sign of kidney health. If kidney qi and body fluids are sufficient, impotence is less likely to occur.
Blood stasis is also an important cause of impotence, as described in traditional Chinese medicine. "Impotence also occurs when there is blood stasis and kidney injury," as stated in "Case Studies by Yan Dexin." "Slippery and impotent... should be treated by regulating the qi and blood from the Shaoyang meridian," as stated in "Clinical Guidelines and Case Studies." Experts explain that if oral hygiene is not taken seriously in daily life, visible stains can grow on the teeth. These stains are composed of bacteria. When oral diseases occur, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream through capillaries, causing microcirculation thrombosis and spreading to blood vessels throughout the body. When they reach the small blood vessels of the male penis, they are prone to blockage, hindering the flow of true yang qi to the penis, resulting in difficulty in achieving an erection, often accompanied by pain in the scrotum. Blood stasis blocks the meridians, obstructs the circulation of qi and blood, does not nourish the tendons and vessels, resulting in impotence and pain.
Gum bleeding is usually a symptom of periodontitis, which is prone to bacterial infection. As the blood circulates, it can cause vascular changes, disrupting the blood supply to the penis and leading to impotence.
Maintaining Oral Health to Prevent Problems
Oral health is closely related to male sexual health. It is important to take care of your oral health as you would care for your eyes. If any abnormalities are found, prompt medical attention should be sought to avoid affecting food chewing, digestion and absorption, as well as normal sexual activity with a partner. Experts recommend that men pay more attention to personal hygiene, develop good habits, brush their teeth twice a day, and use dental floss to clean the gaps between teeth to remove residual food debris. If possible, it is recommended to visit a dentist every six months and address any problems that may arise in a timely manner.
Experts suggest that regular teeth cleaning is also one of the most effective methods to combat periodontal disease. Therefore, if conditions permit, regular cleaning should be done. Additionally, performing dental exercises such as tapping teeth can be beneficial. Simply let the upper and lower teeth collide with each other, creating a sound of teeth impacting. It is recommended to do this exercise once in the morning and once in the evening, with 30 to 40 repetitions each time. Furthermore, it is advisable to consume three types of food regularly: celery, which helps clean the teeth; shiitake mushrooms, which help suppress dental plaque; and mustard, which effectively prevents tooth decay.
