An experiment has revealed that failing to properly brush your teeth could lead to dangerous health complications; the results were broadcast as part of a two-part series on dental health for the BBC. Dr Christoffer Van Tulleken was told to wear a gum guard on one side of his mouth so that his teeth could not be properly cleaned when he brushed every day; the experiment took place over a two week period and Dr Van Tulleken spoke to Mailonline about the results.
By the time the fortnight experiment was over, the Doctor had developed mild gum disease and was spitting blood after brushing; however, there was more to this than meets the eye and tests conducted by Professor Iain Chapple at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry showed that his immune system had actually suffered some damage. Test results revealed that Christoffer’s white blood cells were less effective and chronic inflammation could also have damaged other cells in the body. The infection affected all of his body temporarily but long-term gum disease can push the immune system into overdrive, causing damage to other areas of the body on a more permanent basis.
Without treatment, gum disease can not only lead to tooth loss, it can also be a trigger for type 2 diabetes, dementia, and heart disease, with the gum infection causing chronic, irreversible damage to the body’s organs.