The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Life Expectancy
By Hanna Blankenship
There is a proven link between the number of teeth someone has and their overall life expectancy.
Over 40% of low-income and non-Hispanic Black adults have untreated tooth decay. A 2015 study found that those with 20 teeth or more at 70 had a considerably higher chance of living longer than those with less than 20 teeth. Learn more about how that affects the overall lifespan of our fellow BIPOC community members.
What is Oral Health?
Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak and chew. It is more than just healthy teeth; it ensures the ability to complete essential human functions. Without it, one's confidence and well-being can be negatively affected.
What are some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health?
cavities (tooth decay)
gum (periodontal) disease
oral cancer
What is the difference between preventative and restorative oral care practices?
Preventive care includes seeing a dentist once a year for a cleaning, brushing twice a day, and flossing daily. It also includes lifestyle changes such as not teeth grinding or smoking, which can cause dry mouth. Those that maintain "preventative dental care" may never need restorative dental care. Being mindful of and preventing the excess consumption of cigarettes, sugar, and alcohol can also negatively impact oral health.
Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring function and structure to teeth that are missing, damaged, or infected. Dental crowns, root canals, implants, and dentures are considered restorative oral care. The sooner one implements restorative dentistry, the more preventative it will be.
How are Oral Health and Overall Health and Life Span Related?
Oral health is a crucial indicator of overall health. Most oral diseases and conditions share risk factors with the leading noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes). These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets high in free sugars, all traditionally seen at higher rates in BIPOC communities. Many medical conditions may affect oral health and vice versa.
What health issues can be caused by inadequate oral health?
Cardiovascular disease: Bacteria that can inflame gums and cause gum disease can also get into the bloodstream causing the arteries to build up plaque and harden.
Pneumonia: Certain bacteria in the mouth can be pulled into a person's lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Cancer: The risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and blood cancers is much higher for people who have poor oral health, as oral infections can make it harder to fight off abnormal cells that develop
Vermont Focus:
In 2020, 17% of Vermont Adults aged 65+ lost all of their natural teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has been crucial in advocating national dental care coverage under medicare. Not only does he realize the financial barriers to oral health, but he realizes the overall health dangers of ignoring one's oral care. He has passed two bills to increase dental coverage for veterans who are almost twice as likely to have gum problems or bone loss around their teeth.
To learn more about the importance of dental health, check out the latest issue of Grin! Magazine from our partner Northeast Delta Dental.