An archaeologist from the Australian National University (ANU), Canberra is looking to redefine what we know about elderly people throughout history, and dispel the myth that most people didn’t live much past 40 prior to modern medicine by examining teeth.

Periodontitis occurs when the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt through the gums. Consequently, they may only partially come through the gum, which may lead to inflammation and infection of the soft tissue around the wisdom tooth.

Oral health problems are linked to frailty in older men, according to a new study. Researchers observed over 1,000 men over a three-year period and found those with poor oral health were more likely to suffer from weight loss, exhaustion, reduced gripping ability and walking speed, and low physical activity.