Ask Me Anything (AMA): Oral Health, Healthspan, and Longevity with Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver, MS, RD, CSSD
Feb 7, 2024
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Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver discuss the connection between oral health, healthspan, and longevity. They explain the importance of oral health for overall well-being and answer questions on the oral microbiome. They also explore how oral health relates to mortality, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The podcast provides tips for improving oral health through brushing techniques, diet, and nutrition.
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall wellness and longevity, as poor oral health has been linked to a higher risk of mortality, dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
Proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, and maintaining a balanced diet, can greatly improve oral health and overall well-being.
Deep dives
The Importance of Oral Health and Longevity
Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall wellness and longevity. Poor oral health has been linked to a higher risk of mortality, dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Studies have found that individuals with more teeth have a lower mortality risk, while those with fewer teeth have an increased risk. The oral microbiome, which consists of diverse microorganisms in the mouth, plays a significant role in oral health. Imbalances in the oral microbiome can lead to oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. Oral health also influences cognitive health, with gum disease being linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Additionally, there is a connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and physical fitness. Proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, and maintaining a balanced diet, can greatly improve oral health and overall well-being.
The Role of Nutrition in Oral Health
Nutrition plays a significant role in oral health. Consuming sugary and starchy foods increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities, as bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars and produce acids. A well-balanced diet that includes vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and hydration is essential for healthy gums and strong tooth enamel. Vitamin C is important for gum health, while calcium and phosphorus contribute to tooth mineralization. Adequate hydration helps maintain saliva production, which washes away food particles and neutralizes acids. Acidic foods and beverages should be consumed in moderation to prevent tooth enamel erosion. Good nutrition supports oral health and overall physical fitness.
Preventive Measures for Better Oral Health
There are several preventive measures individuals can take to improve their oral health. Brushing twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste is recommended. It is important to wait at least 60 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing as immediate brushing can damage tooth enamel. Flossing daily removes food particles and plaque between teeth, reducing the risk of decay. Water flossers are also effective alternatives to traditional flossing. Regular dental visits, maintaining a balanced diet, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and practicing good oral hygiene are essential for optimal oral health. However, cosmetic mouthwashes may provide a fresh taste but do not treat the underlying causes of oral health issues. Moderation is key when using mouthwashes, and therapeutic mouthwashes should only be used under the recommendation of a dentist.
The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness
Maintaining good oral health is not only important for oral hygiene but also for overall wellness. Studies have shown that poor oral health, including gum disease, is associated with systemic inflammation, which can lead to various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Chronic inflammation in the mouth can affect the immune system and contribute to cognitive decline. Proper oral health care, including regular dental visits, good nutrition, exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle choices, can support both oral health and overall well-being.
Did you know that your oral health has a profound impact on healthspan and longevity?
Do you want to learn about the connections between oral health, healthspan, and longevity and what you can do to improve your oral health to help you live longer and add more healthy years to your life?
This episode of Longevity by Design is an Ask Me Anything (AMA) between Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver, MS, RD, CSSD, where they dive into the often-overlooked importance of oral health for healthspan and longevity. They gathered and answered questions asked by the Longevity by Design audience, with the scientific evidence indicating that oral health is not just about a nice smile but also has a startling link with healthspan and longevity.
Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver begin by defining what oral health and oral frailty are. They discuss that good oral health is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being, whereas poor oral health can lead to various dental and health problems. They then answer questions on the oral microbiome and what you should know about it. They also answer questions on how oral health is connected to the health of the rest of the body, healthspan, and longevity–with an emphasis on mortality, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Importantly, Dr. Blander and Ashley answer questions backed by science on what you can do to improve your oral health. They conclude by addressing questions on the influence of nutrition on oral health and the not-so-obvious but intriguing evidence on the link between oral health and physical fitness and function.
