Bad teeth cost Britain $5.3 billion

London -- Britain's National Health Service spends $5.3 billion a year to treat patients with periodontal disease, a researcher reported.

Richard Watt of University College London said more than half of all adults in Britain suffer from the problem, which can lead to infection, receding gums and loose teeth, SkyNews reported Thursday.

While overall dental health in Britain is improving, Watt said an aging population and an increase in the number of people retaining their natural teeth into old age means "periodontal disease is going to be a major issue for a significant number of the population."

The report called for more education about oral hygiene, including twice-daily brushing and flossing and the use of mouthwash.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.