Older women may have a brand new reason to take special care of their teeth. A study from the University at Buffalo in New York found that women aged 55 and older who had suffered from significant gum disease or lost many teeth were more likely to die at an earlier age than women who did not have either of these risk factors.
Key Takeaways:
We already know for certain that an unhealthy smile is linked to cardiovascular disease, a condition which is often fatal.
Women who lost all their teeth had the greatest risk of near-term death, suggesting that no matter how bad your oral health already is, it's still a very good idea to get your dentist to intervene.
The researchers admit that further study is needed to confirm any kind of direct causal link between oral health and early death - affluent, educated people visit the dentist more often and keep more of their teeth into their old age, and this group is already known to have a longer life expectancy for completely separate reasons.
"Our findings suggest that older women may be at higher risk for death because of their periodontal condition and may benefit from more intensive oral screening measures," said LaMonte."
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For further information or advice contact College Street Dental Centre in Petersfield, Hampshire on 01730 263180
