1. That‘s because common problems such as gum disease (gingivitis), cavities and missing teeth are linked to heart disease.

2. Leukaemia "A build–up of plaque as a result of poor oral hygiene can cause bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis, and periodontal disease (infection of the bones that hold teeth in place)," says dentist Dr Phil Stemmer of the Teeth For Life clinic, London.

3. Though he has been treated for gingivitis (227.41) and other periodontal diseases (508.08), more than half his teeth have been removed (a bargain at 500 for eight). He now has regular polishing and descaling (522) to make sure he doesn’t lose his six remaining choppers, which I’m supposed to clean twice–daily with a baby brush and chicken–flavoured dog toothpaste (I draw the line here — you try doing it). Over the years George has suffered from everything from anorexia nervosa (245.05) to obesity, from vomiting (244.50) to food allergies, from leg and hip disorders to back problems, and from suspected mange to an un–diagnosable but serious skin condition that requires him to be bathed twice a week in anti–fungal shampoo and have fortnightly injections of expensive immunotherapy serum for the rest of his life (one bill came to more than 700). He’s had blood tests and allergy tests, urine tests and thyroid tests.