Research Links Oral Health to Chronic Disease and Longevity

Medical researchers are increasingly linking periodontal disease to systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline due to chronic inflammation caused by oral bacteria.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that nearly 50% of adults aged 30 and older have periodontitis, with prevalence rising to 60% for those aged 65 and older.

Experts at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the ADA Forsyth Institute are advocating for integrated medical and dental records to improve whole-person care and early diagnostic intervention.