Want to Know How Long You’ll Live? Check Your Smile!

You’ve probably asked yourself the age-old question: “How long will I live?” Some seek out fortune tellers or family members who can provide insight into the future. But what if finding out your lifespan was much easier than reading a crystal ball? Recent research points to the health of the smile as an indicator for length of life. As a dentist, this is no shock because I view the mouth as a window to the rest of the body. I can often spot health conditions like oral cancer and gum disease early on, detecting and preventing them before they get more severe. But how does the grin signal what you may expect in terms of your lifespan? Read on to find out!

First, Why Does Tooth Loss Matter?

Although decay, abnormal soft tissues, and other problems can indicate trouble, the most concerning issue that could lead to a more severe medical problem is tooth loss. For example, several studies have found that patients who have lost teeth are at a much higher risk of dementia than those with a full set of healthy teeth. In other words, missing teeth is a great example of how your oral health directly impacts your overall health.

Tooth loss can occur for many different reasons because no two smiles are the same. However, I’ve included some of the most common causes of missing teeth that I see in my office below:

The Stress Factor

Recent studies have shown a link between tooth loss and stress level during your day-to-day life. This can include social, emotional, economic, or educational stress, which causes a domino effect that may eventually lead to tooth loss. Stress can not only lower your body’s ability to fight off infection, but it can also cause you to grind or clench your teeth, which can crack or fatally damage your teeth.

Injuries

One of the most common reasons for tooth loss, especially for younger people, is trauma or injury. This most often occurs when the teeth aren’t protected during sports or physical activity. Additionally, bruxism (teeth grinding) can wear down and weaken teeth, increasing the likelihood of losing them in the future.

Poor Oral Health

The easiest way to prevent tooth loss is to care for your smile regularly. However, if you don’t brush, floss, and visit a dentist as recommended, there is a good chance you’ll be affected by common issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the US because the infection permanently damages gum and bone tissue, making the teeth unstable.

The Number of Teeth & Your Age

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Studies show that those who lost 5 or more teeth before the age of 65 are more likely to suffer from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis – all of which dramatically limit life expectancy. Notably, diabetes and heart disease are strongly linked to gum disease. The inflammation that gum disease causes can also occur in the arteries, contributing to higher risks of these serious overall health problems. Furthermore, one study showed that the number of teeth in aging humans can impact their longevity and lifespan.

On the flip side, additional research found that those who have a full set of teeth when they are 74 or older are automatically more likely to reach the age of 100 – wow! Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings are a lot more important than you probably thought.

Life is unpredictable, and having a strong smile doesn’t guarantee a long life, but good oral health sure can help! Take care of your teeth while you still have them to increase your life expectancy and enjoy decades to come with a smile.