Did you know that your oral health is a window into much of your long-term health? A review of recent literature pertaining to oral health reached a conclusion on the importance of oral health for long-term brain health.

Study Summary

This review, including data from 47 studies, found that individuals with poor periodontal health likely have a 21-23% higher risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Tooth loss was also associated with a greater risk for both cognitive decline and dementia by 23% and 13%, respectively.

It is important to note that evidence quality was low for this review.

The Hearty Take

While the quality of evidence was low in this review, an overwhelming body of evidence links oral health to long-term health. Thus, being proactive about oral health from a young age likely helps enhance healthspan. Managing periodontal health is crucial for long-term health. In the future it could even help with the early detection of cognitive decline.