Scientists and health experts are increasingly focusing on the mouth as a key factor in long-term health, suggesting that good oral hygiene may contribute to a longer life and lower risk of chronic disease.
For decades, researchers have observed that people with poor oral health — including gum disease, cavities, and missing teeth — are more likely to suffer from conditions such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Centenarians tend to have more teeth than people who don’t live that long,” Judith Jones, a professor of oral disease research at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, told Business Insider. She added that the reasons behind this link are complex and not yet fully understood.
Tooth loss can affect diet, confidence, and social engagement, making it harder to eat nutritious foods such as vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins. However, growing evidence suggests the oral microbiome — the community of microorganisms living in the mouth — may play an even larger role in overall health.
Interest in oral health has recently surged in the longevity community. Biohacker and tech CEO Bryan Johnson has promoted a detailed oral care routine aimed at preventing chronic disease, while neuroscientist Andrew Huberman devoted a full podcast episode to the potential links between oral bacteria and mental and physical health. At the same time, companies are introducing microbiome-focused products into the $55 billion global oral care market.
According to Mintel, US oral care sales rose 6.3% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $12.2 billion. Investors appear to be betting on a trend similar to digestive health, a market projected to reach nearly $72 billion by 2027.
Unlike the gut microbiome, which benefits from diversity, a healthy oral microbiome is relatively sparse. “Brushing and flossing reset the system,” said Jonathon Baker, an assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University. Without regular cleaning, harmful bacteria can mature, damage gums, and enter the bloodstream.
Researchers have detected gum disease–related bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, in colon cancer tumors, and in heart tissue affected by cardiovascular disease. While scientists have not yet proven these microbes directly cause illness, chronic inflammation triggered by oral bacteria is considered a likely contributor.
Studies increasingly support a link between good oral hygiene and reduced cardiovascular risk. One study found that flossing at least once a week was associated with a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke, while a 2019 review identified cardiovascular disease as the condition most frequently linked to periodontal disease.
Experts say basic habits remain the most effective defense. Jones recommends brushing thoroughly at least once a day — ideally twice — and flossing daily to clean areas toothbrushes cannot reach. “Flossing helps you keep your teeth,” she said.
Baker agrees, noting that exposure to advanced gum disease during his research permanently changed his habits. “I floss every day now,” he said.