Brushing your teeth doesn’t just brighten your smile, it can also help you live longer.
More research suggests good things. oral hygiene It is associated with a lower risk of serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
At the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual conference held last week in Arizona, a group of researchers examined this evidence, calling the mouth “the gateway to overall health.”
3 Simple lifestyle changes can add nearly 10 years to your life, research finds
The event, titled “The Mouth as a Gateway to Holistic Health,” featured panelists from medical schools across the country discussing how the mouth was previously viewed as a separate entity from the rest of the body.
“However, researchers now know that the oral cavity and the body are deeply interconnected,” says a synopsis on the AAAS website.
Panelists noted that past research suggests that the oral cavity may: affect health According to Euronews, it also affects other organs, including the joints, brain and intestines.
Panelist Alpdogan Kantarsi, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, was quoted as saying during the event that “keeping your teeth healthy is now thought to be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 systemic diseases.”
Sleep patterns may predict risk of dementia, cancer and stroke, study suggests
“Studies now show that people with mild or moderate illness who brush and take care of their teeth, or who go to the dentist for advanced cleanings, see a significant improvement in their symptoms. better cognitive response” he added.
The presenters discussed how severe forms of periodontitis occur. periodontal disease It worsens with age and affects the bones and tissues that support the teeth.
The condition causes “ongoing inflammation and progressive damage,” triggering an immune response and increasing the risk of infection. rheumatoid arthritis And dementia.
A study from Tufts University School of Dentistry in Boston, published in The Lancet’s Health and Longevity in 2024, concluded that oral health should be considered “an integral part of the overall health care system and a key element in dealing with aging.”
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“Oral health status may be a potential risk factor for physical frailty and functional impairment,” the authors said. “The importance of oral health is overall sense of well-being And longevity should be emphasized. ”
An additional study published in the journal Neurology in 2023 found that people with good dental hygiene had better memory, while periodontal disease and tooth loss were associated with loss of gray matter in the brain and poorer memory. mental health.
Dr. Michael J. Way, DDS, a New York City cosmetic and restorative dentist, acknowledged that there are many benefits to brushing your teeth more frequently.
“From a preventive health perspective, brushing your teeth three times a day helps control bacterial biofilms that cause periodontal disease and chronic inflammation,” he told FOX News Digital. “Inflammation in the mouth does not remain isolated and can have an impact.” cardiovascular healthmetabolic function and immune balance. ”
According to Wei, as plaque is broken down throughout the day, the body’s pro-inflammatory substances are reduced.
For more health stories, click here
“Over time, reducing that burden may contribute to healthier aging and reduced risk of systemic disease,” he said. “Small and disciplined daily habits The long-term effects are often the greatest. ”
Although maintaining good oral health is not a “surefire preventive measure” against dementia, Wei believes it is “one meaningful way to reduce modifiable risk factors.”
Consistent brushing, flossing, regular teeth cleaning, and addressing issues like teeth grinding and jaw tension can all “help reduce inflammation and prevent long-term damage,” she added.
Experts warn that brushing too much or too aggressively can lead to a variety of complications.
“Brushing too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause enamel wear, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity,” Wei warned. “Balance is determined by a combination of proper technique and frequency, using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and using gentle, controlled movements.”
Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz
Dr. Richard Lipari, a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York, agreed that brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure is sufficient to maintain proper hygiene. oral health.
“Brushing your teeth three times a day is fine if done gently and correctly,” he told Fox News Digital. “Think of it like massaging your teeth and gums instead of scrubbing them.”
Dr. Luis R. Dominicis Jr., AVP of Dental Services at Altamed Health Services of California, recommends scheduling regular dental checkups and asking about proper brushing and flossing techniques.
“Ask which toothbrush and toothpaste is best for you and if there are any signs of gum recession or enamel wear,” she advised in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Following the recommended treatment plan will help you stay healthy. healthy mouth and support your overall health. ”
