1 Cut heart disease risk. In 2016 researchers at North Carolina Scholl of Dentistry found that patients with gum disease were twice as likely to die from heart attack.

2 Prevent strokes. Adults with gum disease may be twice as likely as thjose with healthy gums to suffer a stroke.

3 Perk up your sex life. Men are 3x more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction if they suffer from periodontal disease.

4 Boost your memory. Patients with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths – according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

5 Slow down Alzheimers. Scientists tracked Alzheimers patients and found that the group with gum disease suffered cognitive decline and 6x the rate of the group without gum disease.

6 It might protect your joints. Researchers examined gum fluid of people with periodontitis and found it contained high levels of citrullinated proteins, a type known to trigger an immune response in those with rheumatoid arthritis.

7 Make diabetes more manageable. Gum disease may make it harder to keep diabetes under control, as infection in the oral cavity can have an effect on blood sugar.

8 Protect your lungs. Research has found that bacteria around the gums can travel to the lungs and cause infection.

9 Take care if your pregnant. A recent study suggested that pregnant women at high risk of premature birth may cut their risk by 1/3.

10 Bad breath is just not very appealing for your Partner – and we don’t need research to show this!

Book an appointment with Karen, our hygienist at Tewkesbury Dental TODAY – you don’t have to be referred or even see a dentist (or be a patient of the Practice). Just call and say you want an urgent appointment with Karen.