Keeping your teeth clean could help you to avoid dementia in your old age according to new research. People with poor oral hygiene are more likely to suffer memory problems associated with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

The worse the condition of the gums, the higher the risk of memory blanks in old age. The reason is likely that the bugs that cause gum disease interfere with our ability to think clearly, since they damage arteries and arterial damage is associated with dementia. Other research has shown that these bugs can also increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, low sperm counts and other health problems.

These findings should give everyone even more incentive to brush and floss daily and visit a dentist regularly. If you don't, you are risking losing a lot more than just your teeth.