Brushing your teeth twice a day can boost your sperm count.
That's according to the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) who have advised reaching for a toothbrush after research found that infertile men are far more likely to suffer from gum disease.
A study of 56 men aged between 23-52 by the Bikur Holim Hospital, Jerusalem, and the Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine found that more than half the men with low sperm counts or no sperm at all displayed developed gum disease.
The BDHF will begin its annual National Smile Month campaign on 17 May 2009, highlighting gum disease's links to overall health under the slogan: ‘Look after yourself, brush for health'.
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and strokes and now infertility.
Chief executive of the Foundation Dr Nigel Carter said: ‘Brushing your teeth may not sound sexy, but this study shows its importance to male fertility. Factor in the benefits of good oral health for an attractive smile and to stop bad breath and it's time men picked up their toothbrush.'
The Israeli study showed that half the men suffered from gingivitis, and two thirds of these men had low sperm counts. Gingivitis causes inflammation characterised by bleeding gums and soreness.
One third of the men suffered periodontal disease, which affects the tissues supporting the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Half of the men with no sperm count had chronic periodontal disease.
