Losing teeth early linked with mental, physical decline

A new study has revealed that losing teeth could be a sign of mental and physical disability.

The study conducted by University College London (UCL) explained that those who had lost their teeth performed less well on memory and walking tests, than those who still had some of their own teeth, the Independent reported.

The study found that older people who had their own teeth performed 10 per cent better than those who had lost them.

The researchers believed that habits and behaviour of an individual such as smoking and drinking have a poor impact on dental, as well as on general health.

Dr. Georgios Tsakos, a senior lecturer at UCL and lead author of the study said that excessive tooth loss presents an opportunity for early intervention of adults at higher risk of faster mental and physical decline later in life.