Gum disease is linked to a variety of ailments including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and now researchers have discovered that treating the condition can reduce prostate inflammation.

Men of any age can age can develop prostatitis, a form of prostate inflammation that can cause frequent urination, difficulty urinating, pain or burning during urination, fever, and chills.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University studied 27 men, each with confirmed inflammation of the prostate gland.

All of the men were found to have moderate-to-severe periodontal disease, which is characterized by levels of inflammation and bleeding and/or loose teeth due to attachment and bone loss.

They each received periodontal disease treatment, but underwent no treatment for their prostate condition.

Even without prostate treatment, 21 of the 27 men showed improvement. Those with the highest levels of prostate inflammation benefited the most.

"This study shows that if we treat the gum disease, it can improve the symptoms of prostatitis and the quality of life for those who have the disease," said Nabil Bissada, chair of Case Western Reserve's Department of Periodontics.