Brushing up on the science of oral health and longevity

Severe gum disease has also been linked to higher blood pressure, which may go undetected. One study found that nearly 50% of adults could have undetected high blood pressure, but good oral health could reduce the risk of both gum disease and high blood pressure [7]. 

One study suggests that an oral rinse that measures white blood cell levels in the saliva might predict someone’s risk of heart disease. The researchers reported that a high white blood cell count (an indicator of gum disease) was linked to warning signs of cardiovascular disease. It’s believed that inflammatory factors travel from the gums into the bloodstream and damage the vascular system [8].

Oral bacteria can also enter the bloodstream and cause infective endocarditis, a serious heart condition, especially in at-risk individuals. Regular visits to the dentist are important to help prevent oral infections that could lead to systemic complications like infective endocarditis.

Maintaining good oral health is also good for your brain. One study found that gum disease and tooth loss were associated with shrinkage of the hippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for memory that is also impacted by Alzheimer’s disease [9]. Chronic gum disease and bacteria like P. gingivalis may accelerate neurodegeneration and worsen cognitive decline in affected patients. Poor oral health has also been linked to an increased risk of dementia. This same study also found that the increase in brain shrinkage associated with having one less tooth was equivalent to almost one year of brain aging, and individuals with severe gum disease had an increased rate of brain shrinkage equivalent to 1.3 years of brain aging.

Another study found that gum disease activates the brain’s microglial cells, which are also activated in response to amyloid plaques (clumps of misfolded protein cells that may play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease). When microglial cells are stimulated, this activates neuroinflammation, which can be harmful in excess. The development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease may be influenced by oral health and the presence of specific bacteria. Bacteria that enter the pockets of infection within the gums of someone with gum disease can travel to the brain, which promotes neuroinflammation and the buildup of plaques [10].

Rates of oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease increase in adults over age 60 [11]. Evidence also suggests that the diversity of the oral microbiota—more specifically, the species types, combinations, density, and distribution of the bacteria—may play a significant role in how well someone ages [12]. Studies have demonstrated significant differences in the diversity of the oral microbiota across age groups, with older adults often showing reduced microbial diversity. For example, one important bacteria, Neisseria, declines after age 40, while two opportunistic pathogens, Streptococcus anginosus and Gemella**sanguinis, become leading species in the oral microbiome of older adults [13]. Changes in the oral microbiota can make older adults more susceptible to infections and oral health problems. Research involving patient samples has demonstrated that oral health is linked to various disorders, including systemic diseases and age-related conditions. Additionally, oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs, potentially leading to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, especially in susceptible populations. There is also evidence that certain oral bacteria may affect the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the risk of cancer in that system.

Poor oral health also affects various hallmarks of aging, including chronic inflammation, cellular senescence, altered intercellular communication, and genomic instability. Chronic oral diseases trigger a pro-inflammatory response, which results in prolonged cytokine signaling—signaling proteins that help tame inflammation—and the accumulation of senescent or “zombie” cells [14], which disrupt cellular health. Furthermore, the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis — the main pathogen of gum disease — can enter the bloodstream, contributing to genomic instability and potentially increasing the risk of certain cancers [15].

Here are actionable steps you can take right now for better oral health:

• Eat foods rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D—walnuts, dark green vegetables, legumes, yogurt, and wild salmon—which are essential for tooth mineralization and preventing tooth decay [16, 17]. Good nutrition is fundamental for maintaining both oral and overall health.

• Stop mouth breathing, which can dry out the mouth and increase the risk of decay and gum disease [18].

• Antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, blueberries, and sweet potatoes can help mitigate inflammation and reduce the risk of gum diseases [19].

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks, which can lead to dental cavities [20].

• Adequate water intake helps support salivary production, which is essential for removing food particles, neutralizing plaque acids, and protecting against decay and other oral problems [21].

• Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and floss daily—preferably before brushing. This allows you to dislodge food and plaque between teeth, enabling toothpaste to clean those areas more effectively.

• Clean and maintain dentures daily to prevent respiratory infections and support better respiratory and oral health.

• Natural oral rinses that contain sea buckthorn or frankincense may also provide preventive benefits against gum inflammation and oral disease [22, 23].

• Recognize symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or mouth sores as early warning signs of oral health problems, and seek professional advice promptly.

• Integrating oral health into your overall healthcare routine is key for better well-being and disease prevention.

• Take steps to protect your oral health, as this helps prevent both oral and systemic diseases.

Our smiles wield an enormous impact on our overall health, and these tips can guide you on a path to a healthier smile and a healthier you.