Cavities may indicate general functional weakness, serving as a warning of an increased risk of death from latent infections. According to researchers at Osaka University, gum disease and recurrent bleeding are not just a local nuisance but are closely linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. They discovered that combining the number of sound and filled teeth is the 'golden indicator' for predicting lifespan, proving that dental fillings give the body a second chance at life just as much as natural teeth. Why do damaged teeth kill their owner? Scientists attribute this strong link between oral health and lifespan to two main reasons: Chronic inflammation: Cavities or gum disease are not just holes, but foci of chronic inflammation that can spread through the bloodstream and affect vital organs. Malnutrition: Tooth loss impairs the ability to chew food properly, leading to a decline in nutritional quality and a weakening of the body's vital functions. Maintaining oral hygiene is no longer just about getting a brilliant smile. A new medical discovery could change our perception of the dental chair: scientists have stated that the condition of your mouth and the number of your healthy teeth could be the most accurate predictor of early death risk. The results of a large Japanese study conducted by researchers from Osaka University, involving the records of more than 190,000 people over the age of 75, were published in the journal 'BMC Oral Health'. The study reached a stunning conclusion: people who retain sound and complete teeth have a proportionally lower risk of death from any cause, while this risk increases significantly for those who suffer from tooth loss or widespread cavities, as reported by 'The Sun'. Researchers not only counted teeth (up to 28, excluding wisdom teeth) but also categorized them into three types: sound, filled, and decayed. Furthermore, the research revealed a 'mysterious and dangerous' link between poor oral health and declining cognitive abilities, making it an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
