Having a healthy set of teeth is important to overall health.

Gum disease has been linked to an array of serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and as such, it is important to maintain good oral health, it has been claimed.

Dr Samuel Low, associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, claimed just three per cent of people suffering from the disease actually seek out treatment.

He commented: “Patients are not aware of the long-term and potentially dangerous implications of untreated gum disease. There are a variety of myths surrounding periodontal disease.”

Elsewhere, the Manila Bulletin recently reported having dental implants installed could be the next best thing to having real teeth.

Dr Mark Gan told the publication that gone are the days when extractions and other procedures might be likened to torture, as modern methods can be virtually pain free for some people.