Good Oral Hygiene = Longevity: How Proper Brushing Extends Your Life
Do you believe that a simple routine like regularly brushing your teeth could have such a far-reaching impact on your health that it might even increase your lifespan? Indeed, recent studies suggest that good oral hygiene life expectancy and overall well-being could be positively influenced. A new long-term study with almost 500 participants from Finland has now brought impressive figures to light: According to the latest findings, those who meticulously take care of their teeth not only reduce the average risk of death but also live around 17.7 years longer than people who have almost no natural teeth left. The researchers did not rely solely on survey data; they also clinically checked whether the information on tooth cleaning was truly accurate. This result sounds almost too good to be true. But let’s take a closer look at the facts to understand why you might want to take your toothbrush a bit more seriously starting today.
What does
When it comes to dental care, technical terms often come up that can initially seem intimidating. At its core, though, it really comes down to two very simple pillars: regular tooth brushing and use of dental floss. While classic tooth brushing at least twice a day—morning and evening after meals—is recommended, particular emphasis is increasingly being placed on cleaning between the teeth. That’s because bacteria tend to accumulate where the toothbrush often has trouble reaching. Dental floss, interdental brushes, or special mouth rinses remove these dangerous plaque deposits and thus help prevent inflammation and tooth decay.
One aspect many underestimate: You should not only pay attention to how often and how regularly you brush your teeth, but also to the correct brushing technique. Gentle circular motions, a soft brush, and thorough rinsing afterward are essential. If you also use fluoride toothpaste and employ mouth rinses, you establish a solid base for a healthy oral cavity.
Key findings of the new study
The recently published long-term study from Finland—specifically, the Kuopio Oral Health and Heart (KOHH) study—investigated the relationship between oral self-care, meaning how we practice our own oral hygiene, and overall mortality. Around 476 participants were observed over an average period of 18.8 years. The results are convincing:
• Among those who brushed their teeth daily and used dental floss, the risk of death was reduced by almost 50% compared to those who had no natural teeth left.
• Interestingly, poor oral hygiene showed a similarly high risk of death as having no teeth at all. In other words, brushing your teeth occasionally apparently isn’t enough to stand out positively in the statistics.
• A group with good dental care lived on average 17.7 years longer than those with almost no teeth.
• Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) seem to play an important role here. The better the oral hygiene, the lower these markers, which indicate systemic inflammation in the body, tended to be.
Thus, the study establishes a remarkable connection: Oral self-care apparently goes hand in hand with other forms of self-care, which ultimately can be reflected in a lower risk of various diseases such as cardiovascular problems or metabolic disorders.
Possible mechanisms: Why good oral hygiene can help you live longer
Why could good oral hygiene life expectancy be so effectively influenced? Several theories shed light on this:
1. Reduction of systemic inflammation The oral cavity is densely populated with bacteria that can cause gum inflammation if not properly managed. These inflammations can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream, increasing your risk of stroke or heart attack. By minimizing the bacterial load in the mouth, you automatically reduce the potential for chronic inflammation.
2. Prevention of bacteremia Even small injuries to the gums, such as those caused by tartar, can give bacteria an easy route into the bloodstream. Thorough oral care keeps bacterial infestation low—and the fewer pathogenic germs that enter circulation, the lower the risk of inflammatory diseases.
3. Improved dietary quality Without a sufficient number of healthy teeth, chewing becomes more difficult. This can influence your choice of foods (e.g., softer, heavily processed food) and lead to a nutrient-poor diet. Healthy teeth, on the other hand, allow you to chew fresh foods like fruits, whole grains, or crunchy vegetables—benefiting your overall health.
4. Psychosocial factors Smiling is a built-in mood booster. Healthy, well-cared-for teeth promote self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on social interactions, stress management, and ultimately your mental health.
Relevance for your everyday life
You might be wondering whether it’s really worth experimenting with dental floss or reaching for your toothbrush after every meal. The research clearly says: Yes, it is worth it. In fact, the findings now presented align with previous research from Scotland, the USA, or Japan, which also demonstrated similar connections between inflammatory markers and oral hygiene. For example, other research groups found that severe tooth loss and lack of interdental cleaning led to elevated CRP levels, which in turn increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic ailments.
To break it down practically for your everyday routine:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day—preferably after every main meal.
• Use dental floss or interdental brushes at least once a day to clean between your teeth.
• Pay attention to a tooth-friendly diet, meaning as few sugary snacks and drinks as possible.
• If you smoke, keep in mind that tobacco has a particularly negative impact on your oral health and promotes inflammation.
• Visit your dentist regularly to have tartar and cavities treated early on.
All these points not only sound like a solid oral hygiene routine—they also seem, according to research, to positively affect your overall health. After all, fewer inflammations and healthy eating habits can almost automatically benefit your cardiovascular system, your blood sugar levels, and even your emotional well-being.
Limitations of research and outlook
Although the study data is very promising, you should remember that almost all studies so far—including the Finnish one—are observational studies. That means that while scientists have found clear correlations, they cannot definitively prove whether good dental care directly lowers the risk of death or whether other, as yet unknown factors also play a role. In addition, much of the data is based on self-reports about dental care routines, which may have been slightly embellished.
On the other hand, it is quite plausible that the effect is real. The long observation period of almost 19 years, combined with clinical checks on oral health, lends the results significant credibility. Further randomized controlled trials would be desirable to establish a definitive causal relationship. Nevertheless, it appears that anyone who consistently takes care of their oral hygiene generally benefits in multiple ways—from fewer toothaches and higher self-esteem to potential advantages regarding cardiovascular health and life expectancy.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s not just about having a radiant smile. Good oral hygiene life expectancy—this connection is increasingly taken seriously in the scientific community and opens new doors to a holistic understanding of health. By investing just a few minutes a day in dental floss, a toothbrush, and mouthwash, you’re not only preventing cavities and periodontitis; you may also be doing your entire body a favor. In the end, the message is clear: A clean set of teeth could be one of your simplest yet most effective steps toward a healthier life.
If you’ve grown curious, the best thing to do is talk to your dentist and see how you can optimize your oral hygiene. After all, sometimes the secret to a longer life simply lies in small daily routines.
Sources and further links
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/1/10