Treating gingivitis (gum disease) may help reduce symptoms of prostatitis, according to the results of a relatively small study published in the journal <em>Dentistry</em><a href="http://www.southcountyurological.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/iStock_000058539090_Small.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-360" src="http://www.southcountyurological.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/iStock_000058539090_Small-300x200.jpg" alt="iStock_000058539090_Small" width="300" height="200" /></a>.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Its symptoms include pain, difficult urination and sexual dysfunction. It can affect men of all ages.

The study conducted by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine included 27 men who had prostatitis and moderate to severe gum disease. The men received treatment for their gum disease -- but not for prostatitis. However, prostate symptoms improved in 21 of the 27 men. Six of the men showed no changes.

Prostatitis treatments include an antibiotic (if it is infection based), an anti-inflammatory to manage pain and alpha blockers to reduce urinary symptoms.