Brushing Your Teeth May Help You Live Longer, Research Suggests

Brushing your teeth could do more than just brighten your smile—it might actually help extend your life. Growing scientific evidence now links good oral hygiene to a reduced risk of serious health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

At the recent American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Arizona, researchers presented compelling evidence supporting the connection between oral health and overall wellness. During a session titled “The Mouth as a Gateway to Overall Health,” medical experts from across the United States discussed how the mouth—once viewed as separate from the body’s other systems—is now understood to be deeply interconnected with our overall health.

“We now think that maintaining your teeth in health may be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 systemic conditions,” said Alpdogan Kantarci, a professor at the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry, during the event.

The researchers highlighted how periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that typically worsens with age, affects the bone and tissues supporting teeth. This condition triggers ongoing inflammation and progressive damage that can activate immune responses throughout the body, increasing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and various forms of dementia.

“Research is now showing that in people with mild or moderate diseases, those who are brushing and taking care of their teeth or seeing a dentist and having advanced cleanings are showing much better cognitive responses,” Kantarci noted.

A 2024 study published in The Lancet, Health Longevity by researchers from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine concluded that oral health should be considered “an integral component of the overall healthcare system and an important factor in accessing aging.”

“Oral health conditions could be potential risk factors for physical frailty or functional disability,” the authors stated. “The importance of oral health for overall well-being and longevity should be emphasized.”

This finding aligns with 2023 research published in the journal Neurology, which found that people with good dental hygiene demonstrated better memory function, while those with gum disease and tooth loss showed reduced gray matter in the brain and accelerated cognitive decline.

Dr. Michael J. Wei, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in New York City, emphasized that frequent brushing offers significant preventive health benefits.

“Brushing three times a day helps control the bacterial biofilm that fuels gum disease and chronic inflammation,” he explained. “Inflammation in the mouth does not remain isolated—it can influence cardiovascular health, metabolic function and immune balance.”

When dental plaque is disrupted throughout the day, the body’s inflammatory triggers are reduced, potentially contributing to healthier aging and decreased risk of systemic disease, Wei added. While proper oral health isn’t a guaranteed safeguard against conditions like dementia, it represents “one meaningful way to reduce modifiable risk factors.”

However, dental experts caution that technique matters as much as frequency. Brushing too aggressively or using hard-bristled toothbrushes can lead to enamel wear, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity.

“The balance comes down to frequency paired with proper technique, using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, and gentle, controlled movements,” Wei said.

Dr. Richard Lipari, a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York, agreed that brushing twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure is typically sufficient for proper oral hygiene.

“Brushing a third time per day is fine as long as it’s done gently and correctly,” Lipari advised. “Think of it as massaging the teeth and gums, not scrubbing them.”

Dr. Luis R. Dominicis Jr., DDS, AVP of dental services at AltaMed Health Services in California, recommends regular dental checkups to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques. “Ask which toothbrush and toothpaste are best for you and whether there are signs of gum recession or enamel wear,” he suggested.

As research continues to reinforce the connection between oral health and longevity, experts increasingly view dental care as essential to preventive medicine and healthy aging. Simple daily habits—gentle, thorough brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits—may prove to be among the most impactful ways to support overall health and potentially add years to your life.