It is a long life and there are many ways to get there. Some seem to be designed for you, genetics is the obvious determinant. However, research continues to shed light on the modifiable risk factors that contribute to longevity.
According to research published in the Journal of Aging, good oral health contributes to longevity.
“Over the past decade, the effect of oral health on overall health and mortality in the elderly has drawn attention,” the study’s researchers wrote.
They explored the association of dental health and dentition behaviors (the disposition or condition of teeth) on all-cause mortality in 5,611 older adults between 1992 and 2009 and calculated risk estimates in men and women for separately.
What did the researchers discover?
They found brushing their teeth at night before bed was a “significant” risk factor for longevity.
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The study looked at tooth loss and mortality and found that the number of teeth you have is significantly correlated with life expectancy.
The results found that those with 20 teeth or more at age 70 were considerably more likely to live longer than those with less than 20 teeth.
According to Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, Executive Director of the Oral Health Foundation of the British Dental Health Foundation, the health of our mouth has consistently been a reliable marker for assessing the health of our entire body.
Dr Carter said at the time the study was published: “Indicators of oral health such as gum disease have been regularly linked to a wide range of general health problems such as heart disease, heart attacks. heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, dementia and problems during pregnancy.
“Many oral health conditions (such as gum disease) are completely preventable and are caused by poor oral hygiene.
“Taking good care of our teeth will not only benefit our mouths, but the positive changes will be felt by our whole body.”
“Brushing twice a day with toothpaste with fluoride, reducing the frequency with which we consume sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly, as often as we are advised, will reduce our chances of developing general health problems and other diseases, as well as improving our smile “.
Before the researchers concluded, variables such as gender, body mass index (BMI), education, smoking status, and a history of chronic illness of the participants were recorded and considered.