For some of us, this past year has given us a pass on visiting one of our more dreaded health care providers: the dentist. But it turns out that, like other aspects of your health and well-being, the attention paid to your oral care rewards you not only with fewer dental problems but in fact, healthier aging as well. The health of your mouth is, in fact, a good proxy for your overall health, and the more problems with your gums and teeth, the more likely you’ve also got trouble with your cardiovascular system. So taking care of your teeth, gums, and mouth is an important place to start when thinking about healthier aging. For a good basic overview of dental health for older adults, rinse once and click here. 

A few facts: One in five older adults have tooth decay and ⅔ of adults over 65 have gum disease. Moreover, one in five older adults have lost all of their teeth, and cancers of the mouth are almost always diagnosed in older adults. These are stark statistics and suggest that for many, oral care has not previously been a priority or focus of care. That kind of avoidance can lead to serious consequences as you get older. In fact, one recent revelation perhaps sums up the risks: According to research out of Hebrew University and published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, COVID patients with gum disease are 3x more likely to end up in the ICU or on a ventilator. It seems the inflammation caused by periodontitis (the serious gum disease that can soften tissue and lead to bone and tooth loss) can spread throughout the body, exacerbating the impact of COVID and more generally wreaking havoc with such lung problems as asthma, pneumonia, and COPD.

Other recent studies have documented the system-wide problems that can arise in the wake of severe periodontal disease. For example, a new study in the Journal of Periodontology found that people who suffer from periodontitis are at higher risk of suffering from major cardiac events such as a heart attack or stroke. Another recent study out of University College London found that gum disease is linked to a risk for higher blood pressure, to the point where it’s recommended that dentists who treat gum disease should also screen for high blood pressure, and physicians who detect high blood pressure should screen for periodontal disease. 

Given that periodontal disease is largely preventable, this underscores the value in taking good care of teeth and gums as you age before you trigger further preventable health risks. Whether you’re a caregiver in charge of the oral health of a loved one, or just trying to keep your own mouth healthy and well cared for, (and take a look at some toothbrush tips for older adults here) there’s no doubt that a healthy mouth makes a happier (and healthier) older adult. As the periodontists like to say, you’ve got to  “love the gums you’re with” :). To find out more, take out your dental floss and click here.