Not brushing your teeth can lead to dementia and heart disease
Allowing bacteria to build up in the chips and cracks along the surfaces of teeth can lead to gum disease which damages cells around the body
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Neglecting to brush your teeth can trigger dementia and heart disease, while also helping to make you look older, a new study has found.
The study shows that 89 per cent of people believe that bad teeth contribute towards somebody’s age, with 40 per cent admitting that they had never considered how their smile could be affecting their appearance.
Later this week, the BBC will air the first of a two part series examining Britain’s oral hygiene examining our attitudes toward taking care of our teeth.
The documentary also shows that those with chronic inflammation can lead to damage of the circulation system and vital organs, with research showing that bad gums can be linked to the development of illnesses including heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Another 35 per cent of people said that a good smile was the first thing they noticed about someone, although many overlook the need to look after their teeth in later life.
While many believe that teeth become more brittle over time, research shows that instead, tiny flaws build up on our teeth which, along with erosion of enamels and gum recession, contribute to a build up of bacteria.
Mervyn Druian, a leading dentist, said: “When I examine a patient’s mouth I am looking for key factors that both indicate the overall health and assess the wear and tear, the aging, of the mouth.
“Gums that are red looking and inflamed of have pockets, greying teeth that may be showing signs of small cracks, decay or abrasion are all warning signs that your mouth may be aging faster than it should.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments