Do rotten teeth really affect your health? Here’s what research says

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Did you know that the number of your teeth may be linked to your lifespan? For years, scientists have been studying the impact of dental health on overall health, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that it’s not just about eating comfort or the aesthetics of your smile. When cavities, inflammation, or tooth loss occur, it’s not just your mouth that suffers—your entire body responds. Bacteria that accumulate in damaged teeth can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory reactions in various organs.

Do rotten teeth affect your health? What does research say about this?

Number of teeth and life expectancy

Studies conducted in Japan and Scandinavian countries have shown that people who have at least 20 of their own teeth at the age of 70 live longer and enjoy better physical condition. Proper chewing is crucial, as it affects nutrient absorption and helps maintain a healthy body weight. Tooth loss leads to a poorer, less varied diet, and the body receives less energy for regeneration.

Periodontal diseases and the heart and circulatory system

A review of studies published in BMC Oral Health (2024) confirmed a correlation between chronic gum inflammation and the risk of heart attack and stroke. The cause may be bacteria lingering in gum pockets, which enter the bloodstream and intensify inflammatory processes in the vessels—ultimately accelerating the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This is why untreated oral infections can lead to heart damage. In extreme cases, there have been reports of sepsis caused by a decayed tooth, which is life-threatening.

Oral microbiota and immunity

Bacterial balance in the oral cavity plays an important protective role. When cariogenic bacteria dominate, the body remains in a state of constant inflammatory stress. Immunological studies indicate that disrupted oral microflora can weaken immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections — both local and systemic.

Oral hygiene and the risk of chronic diseases

The publication MDPI Biomedicine (2023) described the relationship between regular oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, professional cleaning) and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. People who take care of their teeth were found to have lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. This is yet another indication that the impact of oral health on overall well-being is much greater than many people realize.

Why does this matter to you and your family?

When a tooth starts to decay, the problem doesn’t stop at the enamel. Chewing becomes difficult, leading to dietary changes — we give up many hard and healthy foods, which takes a toll on our health. Older adults who lose their teeth often lose weight rapidly, which directly affects their energy and mobility.

Periodontal diseases increase inflammation levels throughout the body, which can worsen symptoms of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and even rheumatoid arthritis. For older adults, healthy teeth mean greater independence, better nutrition, and a higher quality of life.

Parents should also keep this in mind when it comes to children, as neglect at a young age can lead to health problems later in life.

What can you do? Practical steps for the health of your teeth and your whole body

1. Regular dental check-ups

Ideally every 6 months. Many oral diseases do not cause pain in the early stages, which is why early diagnosis at the dental office is so important. Regular check-ups allow for quick detection of problems and help prevent complications.

2. Treatment of caries and periodontal diseases

A small cavity can be filled quickly and painlessly — if neglected, it can lead to pulpitis, an abscess, or even the previously mentioned sepsis.

3. Hygiene at home

Daily brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning are essential. It’s also worth adding a water flosser and scheduling regular professional cleanings.

4. Take care of your teeth count throughout your life

Filling prosthetic gaps improves chewing, facilitates digestion, and protects the temporomandibular joints.

5. A lifestyle that supports oral health

A diet low in sugars, proper hydration, avoiding smoking, and managing chronic diseases have a direct impact on the condition of your teeth.

More and more research shows that the condition of the oral cavity is one of the most important indicators of overall health. Diseases caused by decayed teeth can affect the heart, blood vessels, immunity, and even worsen the course of diabetes or autoimmune diseases. Untreated tooth decay leads to chronic inflammation, which burdens the entire body and increases the risk of serious complications, including sepsis. That’s why it’s so important to take comprehensive care of your oral health, remembering that it’s not just a matter of aesthetics and appearance, but also of your well-being.

This material was created in collaboration with the dental team from DentalSand in Gdynia, who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases as well as patient education.