How the Bacteria in Your Mouth is Affecting Your Sex Life

Nitric Oxide has been regarded as the 'miracle molecule'. It is a widespread signaling molecule, much like estrogen. It acts as a neurotransmitter and a hormone produced in the body. Some of it's functions include:

1. Regulating vascular tone and blood flow.
2. Leukocyte adhesion and platelet aggregation, it controls mitochondrial oxygen consumption
3. In the brain, it regulates many processes affecting behavior & cognitive function.
4. It controls blood flow to the brain, promotes angiogenesis, maintains cellular redox state, and cell immunity and neuronal survival.
5. It is identified in macrophages (cells which locate and 'eat' particles such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and contributes to the cytotoxic actions of these cells.

Translated in more layman terms, nitric oxide is important for blood pressure, and helping blood get to different parts of the body. It's involved in immunity, helping your body defend itself from foreign bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

We must recognize that humans are struggling with the regulation of this important chemical. Starting at age 20, our bodies are making less and less nitric oxide, and by the time we are 40, we have less than half the amount we had when we were 20. Additionally, many of the supplements and products we use are altering our bodies ability to regulate nitric oxide, as well as reduce our ability to naturally produce it. 

One of the areas our body naturally produces nitric oxide is in our mouths. Bacteria residing on the back of the tongue convert the nitrates in food we eat, to nitric oxide, which goes directly into the blood stream. Many of the antiseptic mouthwashes being sold kill this important, nitric oxide producing bacteria. 

Additionally, supplementing with nitric oxide can also pose a risk. It may improve our health temporarily, but anytime we are giving our bodies something it is designed to naturally produce, we are essentially sending the message that it no longer needs to produce the chemical we are now taking in. In the case of nitric oxide, supplementing too much can potentially produce more oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and other more serious health issues.

Nitric Oxide is important for sexual function. It is the main hormone that causes vasodilation (increased blood flow). Naturally consuming foods rich in nitric oxide, as well as using Dr. Senn's Vital Paste and Vital Tooth Serum, which help regulate, moderate, and protect the natural bacteria that produce nitric oxide, you will help your body maximize blood flow, to all the right areas.

In Good Oral Health,

Dr. Christofer Hatzis