How the number of teeth you’ve lost can determine how long you will live
TOOTH loss could predict when you will die, according to new research.
TOOTH loss could predict when you will die, according to new research.
Those who have a full set of teeth when they are 74-years-old are more likely to reach 100, scientists say.
The number of teeth we lose can be a key indicator as to how well we are looking after ourselves, with the study finding tooth loss is closely related to stress during a person’s lifetime.
The stress includes social, emotional, economic and educational experiences as well as chronic diseases, genetic conditions and lifestyle choices.
The research, published in Periodontology 2000, showed that people who had lost five or more teeth by the age of 65 were also more likely to suffer from other serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, which could severely limit a person’s life expectancy.
Many of these illnesses have been previously linked to as person’s quality of life and their socio-economic status.
Dr Nigel Carter, of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “There are many reasons why somebody can lose their teeth, it could be down to trauma, smoking or just a continued poor oral health routine, it can also be related to gum disease which is closely linked to health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
“What this piece of research suggests is that tooth loss can often be a signifier of a poor quality of other areas of a person’s lifestyle and therefore a higher likelihood of someone having health issues because of this.
“Importantly it also shows that diseases associated with tooth loss, such as gum disease, can also contribute to an increased risk of life limiting diseases.
“It is very evident that what is going on in our mouths can really be a useful window to our overall health. It is therefore vital that we take proper care of our mouth and pay close attention to what is happening as it could be a sign of something more serious.”
Scientists in the US have previously conducted a trial using a new plaque identifying toothpaste called Plaque HD to determine if brushing your teeth could prevent heart attacks and strokes.
It was shown to significantly reduce both dental plaque and inflammation through the body, which is measured by high sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker for further heart attacks and strokes.
The Oral Health Foundation is urging people to brush their teeth morning and night with a fluoride toothpaste, cut down on sugary foods and drinks and visit the dentist regularly.
Dr Carter added: “Tooth loss itself comes with its own problems, it can lead to issues with eating and therefore a person’s ongoing nutrition and even create problems with their ability to communicate.
“We welcome more research into this matter as it may be a way to detect and prevent diseases related to tooth loss and other serious systemic diseases.”
This article originally appeared on The Sun.