You might want to book a trip to the dentist after reading this

It seems brushing your teeth has more benefits than simply creating a bright white smile. According to researchers in the US, brushing your teeth can help prevent you from developing arthritis in old age.

During their study, scientists found a link between the bacteria that causes gum disease and early onset rheumatoid arthritis and found that gum disease is two times more prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

According to researchers in the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry in Kentucky, gum disease causes a unique enzyme that “enhances” collagen induced arthritis.

Jan Potempa, who led the research team, said: “Taken together, our results suggest that bacterial PAD may constitute the mechanistic link between P. Gingivalis, periodontal infection and rheumatoid arthritis, but this ground-breaking conclusion will need to be verified with further research.”

Maybe it’s time for a trip to the dentist.