Complacency not an option during beauty 'glory years'

Achieving a showbiz-style glamorous grin could all be down to simple gum maintenance, according to experts.

In a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology, scientists reveal that the health of an individual's gums can actually affect how often they smile.

The mouth maestros pointed out that the higher the level of periodontal - or gum - disease a particular person has, then the more likely that individual is to limit how widely they smile - or even cover their mouth with their hand.

Research author Dr Marita Inglehart noted that the importance of smiling should not be underestimated as it is one of the most universally recognisable ways of communicating.

"Smiling plays a significant and essential role in overall wellbeing," she continued.

"Previous findings suggest that smiling can affect social interactions, self-confidence and can influence how people perceive one another."

Tooth-brightening specialist Pearl Drops recently noted that cosmetic dental and gum treatments are now as common as "buying lipstick".

The firm's beauty boffins suggested that an increasing number of people are keen to look as "polished" as showbiz stars, leading them to seek out dental treatments that show instant results.