Could Your Mouth Offer Clues About How Well You’re Aging?

Researchers are finding important connections between oral health, inflammation, sleep and chronic disease. But the science comes with an important caution: A connection is not always proof of cause.

We tend to think of the dentist as the person who fills a cavity, repairs a chipped tooth or reminds us—again—to floss more often. But your mouth may deserve a more prominent place in your long-term health plan.

A growing body of research links poor oral health, particularly gum disease, with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions that become more common as we age. Problems involving the jaw and airway may also contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, which can interfere with restorative sleep and raise the risk of serious health problems.

That has prompted some dentists to talk about “longevity dentistry”—an approach that looks beyond individual teeth to consider inflammation, breathing, sleep, jaw function and the oral microbiome.

“The mouth is the gateway to the body’s major systems,” New York dentist Dr. Jonathan B. Levine told Men’s Journal. “When the oral environment breaks down—inflammation, clenching, airway resistance, structural imbalance—you often see downstream effects on sleep, cardiovascular health, immune function and overall vitality.”

That does not mean a dentist can predict how long you will live by looking inside your mouth. Nor does it mean treating gum disease has been proven to prevent a heart attack or dementia. But oral health can provide meaningful clues about what may be happening elsewhere in the body.

The inflammation connection

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria and plaque around the teeth trigger inflammation in the gums. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums may become red, swollen or prone to bleeding. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral care and professional treatment.

If it progresses to periodontitis, however, the inflammation can damage the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. That damage is irreversible, although treatment can slow and manage the disease.

The problem is remarkably common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about four in 10 American adults 30 and older have some level of periodontitis. Among adults 65 and older, the figure is about 60%.

A 2023 study published in BMC Medicine followed 3,047 people for an average of 13 years and found that periodontitis and systemic inflammation were both associated with higher risks of death from all causes and from cardiovascular disease. Participants with high levels of both periodontal disease and inflammation had the poorest survival outcomes.

One possible explanation is that bacteria and inflammatory substances from diseased gums can enter the bloodstream during chewing, brushing or dental treatment. They may then contribute to the systemic inflammation involved in cardiovascular disease.

But the language matters. The study found an association; it did not prove that gum disease caused the deaths. Its authors said further research is needed to determine whether treating periodontal inflammation can reduce cardiovascular mortality.

The American Dental Association offers a similar caution. Periodontitis is associated with heart disease and diabetes, but direct causation remains difficult to establish. The conditions also share risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, aging and limited access to preventive care.

In other words, unhealthy gums might contribute to other health problems, reflect them—or do some of both.

Your dentist may spot a sleep problem

Dentists are also paying closer attention to breathing and sleep.

Certain features of the jaw, face and oral cavity can increase the likelihood that a person’s airway will narrow during sleep. A 2024 systematic review in the Journal of Sleep Research found associations between several craniofacial characteristics and obstructive sleep apnea.

A dentist may notice clues such as worn teeth from grinding, a small or recessed jaw, a scalloped tongue, dry mouth or a crowded airway. Snoring, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and waking with a dry mouth may provide additional reasons to seek an evaluation.

Still, a dental examination is not a substitute for a sleep study or medical diagnosis. Dentists can help identify possible warning signs and refer patients to a physician or sleep specialist.

“If you’re not breathing well at night, you’re not recovering,” Levine told Men’s Journal. “And if you’re not recovering, you’re aging faster than you should.”

The phrase “aging faster” is difficult to measure precisely, but untreated sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and daytime impairment.

Seven ways to protect your oral health

High-tech scans and saliva tests may help select patients, but the most effective steps remain familiar and relatively inexpensive.

“Small, consistent daily habits create far more longevity impact than people realize,” Levine said.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes. Use a soft-bristle manual or power toothbrush and gentle pressure. Brushing aggressively can contribute to gum recession and enamel wear.

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• Use fluoride toothpaste. The original Men’s Journal story suggested a fluoride-free product, but the ADA recommends fluoride toothpaste for most adults because fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.

  
  

• Clean between your teeth every day. Use floss, an interdental brush or another device recommended by your dentist. A toothbrush alone cannot adequately clean the tight spaces between teeth.

  
  

• Stay hydrated. Water supports saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids and protect teeth. Dry mouth can also be caused by many medications commonly taken by older adults, so mention persistent dryness to your dentist or physician.

  
  

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet. Vegetables, leafy greens, fruit, lean protein and calcium-rich foods support general and oral health. Limit frequent sipping or snacking on sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which repeatedly expose teeth to cavity-causing acids.

  
  

• Pay attention to nighttime breathing. Do not ignore chronic snoring, mouth breathing, clenching, morning headaches or daytime sleepiness. Ask whether you should be evaluated by a physician or sleep specialist rather than purchasing an over-the-counter mouthguard on your own.

• Reduce bedroom irritants. Dust, pet dander, smoke and other airborne particles can aggravate congestion and make nighttime breathing more difficult. Wash bedding regularly, address known allergies and consider an air purifier if indoor irritants are a persistent problem.