People who have lost multiple teeth and those who have a difficult time chewing hard food had significantly higher odds of cognitive impairment, according to a new study.

It didn’t matter the sex, age, education level or depression or mental illness status if the people in the study had a difficult time chewing, they had higher odds of cognitive impairment. The research is detailed in the article “Chewing Ability and Tooth Loss: Association with Cognitive Impairment in an Elderly Population Study”.

To prevent tooth loss and maintain healthy teeth, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of the brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily.

We also recommend replacing your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Flossing is also an essential part of any oral health care routine. We recommend flossing at least once a day to achieve optimal oral health.

By flossing daily, you help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

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