Recent scientific research has revealed an important and surprising fact: the condition of your teeth may be closely linked to how long — and how well — you live.
The latest large-scale study on oral health and longevity was carried out by researchers at Osaka University, Japan, and involved analysis of dental and medical records of nearly 200,000 adults aged 75 years and older. Conducted and published in the past year, this research examined how the number of healthy teeth, treated (filled) teeth, untreated decay, and missing teeth affected overall survival.
The results were clear and consistent: people with more healthy or properly treated teeth lived longer, while those with untreated cavities and tooth loss had a higher risk of illness and early death. These findings are supported by similar studies from Finland and the United States, making this one of the strongest and most up-to-date messages in modern oral health science.
🧠 Why Do Teeth Matter for the Whole Body?
Your mouth is not separate from your body. Infections in the teeth and gums can:
•Cause long-term inflammation
•Allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream
•Increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses
•Reduce proper chewing, affecting nutrition and immunity
Over time, poor oral health can quietly weaken the body — even if pain is not always present.
📊 What the Research Found (In Simple Terms)
Scientists observed that:
•People with more healthy or filled teeth lived longer
•Untreated cavities were linked to higher death rates
•Restoring teeth was far better for health than leaving decay untreated
•The total number of healthy + restored teeth was a strong predictor of longevity
In short: saving and treating teeth protects more than your smile — it protects your life.
🍽️ The Hidden Risk of Tooth Loss
When teeth are missing or painful:
•Chewing becomes difficult
•Nutritious foods are avoided
•Diet quality declines
•Physical strength and immunity weaken
This condition, often called oral frailty, has been linked to faster physical decline and increased health risks, especially in older adults.
🪥 Regular Dental Care Makes a Difference
One of the most encouraging findings from these studies is that:
People who visit the dentist regularly tend to live longer — even if their oral health is already compromised.
Regular checkups help by:
•Detecting problems early
•Treating infections before they spread
•Preserving chewing function
•Supporting better nutrition and comfort
Dental care is not cosmetic — it is preventive healthcare.
✅ What You Can Do as a Patient
You don’t need perfect teeth — you need well-managed teeth.
✔ Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
✔ Don’t ignore bleeding gums or tooth pain
✔ Treat cavities early — fillings are protective
✔ Replace missing teeth when possible
✔ Visit your dentist regularly, even if nothing hurts
Remember: a restored tooth is healthier than a missing one.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Can dental problems really affect how long I live?
Yes. Research shows that untreated decay and gum disease increase inflammation and health risks. People with healthy or treated teeth tend to live longer and healthier lives.
2️⃣ Is it better to remove a badly decayed tooth?
Whenever possible, saving and restoring a tooth is better. Treated teeth support chewing, nutrition, and reduce infection risks. Extraction is only advised when a tooth cannot be saved.
3️⃣ Do I need dental visits if I have no pain?
Yes. Many serious dental problems cause no pain in early stages. Regular checkups help prevent hidden infections and protect overall health.
🏥 Your Dental Care Provider
Dr Hanan Haroon
Smooth Smile Dental Studio
📞 +92 314 5190000
Your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being. At Smooth Smile Dental Studio, we focus not only on treating teeth — but on helping our patients maintain long-term health, comfort, and quality of life.