Is Dental Health Important?

A doctor explains the relationship between the health of your teeth and your overall health, plus how to protect your pearly whites

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

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Published January 20, 2026

black-and-white line drawing on a purple background showing an older adult in pajamas brushing their teeth in front of a bathroom sink.

James Yates

Why is dental health important, and what can I do to improve the health of my teeth?

Let me begin with a confession: I haven’t always given dental health the respect it deserves. My wife, who is a champion of thourough brushing, has always been a true believer, while my best friend, a dentist we simply call Joe, takes great pleasure in teasing me about my once-casual approach. But over the years, and because many of my patients are older adults, I’ve come to realize that the mouth is one of the most critical gateways to overall health. How we care for it can have enormous consequences on our overall aging.

As we grow older, the stakes get higher. There’s an increased risk of gum disease, dental decay and tooth loss. When teeth are lost, it’s not only a cosmetic issue; it affects the foods you’re able to enjoy and digest, your nutrition and your social life. I’ve seen many older adults begin to withdraw, skip dinners out, decline invitations, hold back from conversations or smile less often because they’re self-conscious about missing teeth or dentures that no longer fit comfortably. Social withdrawal is not trivial. Isolation, as I often say, can fuel inflammation, the underlying force behind a long list of chronic diseases associated with aging.

Your mouth is a direct connection between the outside world and your internal health systems. If your sight was compromised and you couldn’t see your environment, imagine how you’d suffer. The same is true if you can’t taste, chew or speak well. When those functions break down, quality of life breaks down along with them.

From a medical view, poor dental health has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, complications from diabetes, respiratory infections, worsening rheumatoid arthritis and frailty. In rare cases, germs from the mouth can travel and infect the inner lining of the heart.

One of the most striking areas of new research involves a link between dental health and the brain. I recently read a study that found a clear relationship between poor periodontal health and MRI markers for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive aging. Another study noted that when poor oral conditions persist, germs can enter the bloodstream and travel to distant organs, including the brain.

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As a result of continuing research, scientists now believe that chronic inflammation in the mouth may increase Alzheimer’s risk like it increases cardiovascular risk, by driving inflammation system-wide over time. This is powerful information. It means that for older adults who are worried about memory (and many of my patients are), taking care of your teeth and gums is a concrete step to take toward cognitive health.

I know many people avoid going to the dentist because they dread the experience. Those childhood memories of agonizing drilling can linger. But dentistry has changed dramatically. Dentists today are deeply aware of those fears and use techniques and technologies designed to make treatments far more comfortable. Still, anxiety often keeps people away, and that avoidance can have very real consequences for long-term health. Cost can be a factor as well, especially for those who do not have dental insurance.

So you want to choose a considerate and compassionate dentist who is willing to be a partner on your wellness path. In the same arena, always let your dentist know the medications that you are taking. Certain drugs that older adults are commonly prescribed, such as those for bladder control, blood pressure, allergies or pain, can contribute to dry mouth. When there’s less saliva to protect teeth, decay can accelerate.

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And what should you do at home? Pretty simple, really: Follow the 2-2-2 rule. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, and see a dentist twice a year. Floss once a day using dental floss, a floss holder or a water flosser, recommends the National Institute on Aging. If you have arthritis, use a battery-powered toothbrush or buy a toothbrush with a larger handle. See your dentist if flossing or brushing causes your gums to bleed. Eat a well-balanced diet and quit smoking if you do, as smoking increases your risk of gum disease.

Taking care of your teeth and gums as you age isn’t about vanity or chasing a younger smile. It’s about protecting your health, comfort and independence. It supports good nutrition, confident speech, and heart and brain health, all of which help you stay active and engaged in life. Chew on this advice from someone who once underestimated dental care: Your mouth matters. Make it a priority.

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