This #1 New York Times bestseller sends a great message. Unlike the common belief that aging is mostly under the control of our genes, “inherited genetics accounts for less than 30 percent of all aging effects, and the importance of genetic inheritance matters less and less the older your calendar age.”

Roizen states that no one really knows why we age. One theory is “our bodies eventually build up so many toxins and other waste products that our systems begin to shut down.” In a further elaboration of this hypothesis, many scientists believe that this waste buildup can even affect the structure of our genes.

One of our concerns is that dental materials may contribute to a toxic load in the body. It is hard to believe that it is acceptable to place some of the most toxic materials such as mercury in the mouth. The food we eat and the air we breathe pass over these materials and the heat, acids, bases and compressive forces accelerate the release of these toxic elements.

Aging of the arteries – It is clearly shown by medical research that periodontal disease can increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease. This is probably why the author states that flossing regularly can make your real age as much as 6.4 years younger!!

Aging of the immune system – Although not discussed by the author, there have been numerous studies that show mercury can reduce the immune system efficiency which, in turn, could shorten a person’s life span. Hidden infections within the mouth can also cause stress on the immune systems until these problems are eliminated. You can see the anecdotal evidence of this in some of the testimonials in our newsletters. Many patients report improvement in seemingly unrelated areas of health when infected teeth are removed from the mouth. In many cases, these patients exhibited no pain.

Social and environmental factors – Roizen defines this area as how we react to our environment biologically, psychologically and socially. He feels that 80% to 90% of cancers are linked to environmental causes. Here again, we can see how concerns in the oral cavity definitely impact this area. Mercury used in amalgams are so toxic, it is not legal for the dentist to dispose of the leftover filling in the wastepaper basket. It is a given that mercury affects humans both biologically and psychologically. Bad breath and an unsightly dental appearance will certainly affect a person on both the psychological and social levels.

Charts appear in the book so readers can calculate their Real Age. Dr. Roizen claims it may be possible for a person to gain up to 25 years of Real Age when everything is perfect. The book is entertaining and full of suggestions and statistics. For me, it’s a bargain at the list price of $25.95.