Why Does Bruce Willis Have a Missing Tooth? The Dementia and Tooth Loss Connection

Let's Talk Smiles with Dr. Catrise Austin

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In today's episode, we'll be discussing the recent celebrity smile news about Bruce Willis and his missing tooth.

Bruce Willis, the famous actor known for his roles in movies like Die Hard and Armageddon, has been making headlines recently because of his recent dementia diagnosis. However, footage of Bruce Willis’ 68th birthday celebration set off alarm bells after fans noticed that the star appeared to be missing a tooth in the video.

The touching clip had been posted by the 68-year-old’s ex-wife Demi Moore on Sunday.

While the whole family was in great spirits, some fans pointed out the actor appeared to be missing one of his front teeth.

One person wrote on Twitter: “Bruce is missing a tooth,” while another asked: “When did Bruce lose a tooth?

Others were happy to see Bruce surrounded by the love and support of his family, brushing off the comments from other users.

Another wrote: “That family is going through hell on earth right now, and we can’t even fathom what’s going on in Bruce’s mind. I think the tooth is irrelevant.”

As a dental professional, I couldn't help but wonder about the possible reasons behind his missing tooth.

One reason that comes to mind is the fact that people with dementia are more susceptible to dental problems due to reduced saliva production and difficulty following an oral hygiene routine. Tooth loss is also a common problem among older adults, with one in six Americans over the age of 65 lacking natural teeth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interestingly, recent research has found a link between tooth loss and an increased risk of dementia. A study conducted by researchers at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that adults with more tooth loss had a 1.28 times higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia.

So, what can we do to prevent tooth loss and maintain good oral health? It's important to practice proper oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist

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