Why cleaning your teeth is more than hygiene: it may help you live a longer, healthier life

As the focus on gut health grows, experts are now focusing on the oral microbiome—the community of bacteria in the mouth—as a vital part of overall well-being.

Research shows that good oral hygiene may do more than protect your teeth; it could also help prevent serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Health leaders like Andrew Huberman highlight this growing link, pointing out that, just like the gut, the mouth plays a significant role in long-term health.

“I’ve been in this business for over 50 years,” Judith Jones, a professor researching oral disease at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, told Business Insider, “centenarians have more teeth than the people who don’t live that long.”

Experts say the link between oral health and chronic disease is still being explored—and the science isn’t always straightforward.

“It’s not simple science,” Jones noted, pointing to the many factors involved. For instance, losing teeth can do more than change a smile.

It can lower self-confidence, reduce social activity, and make eating healthy foods like vegetables, nuts, and lean meats harder.

At the same time, new studies are shedding light on the oral microbiome—the community of bacteria in the mouth—as a possible key player in overall health, with growing evidence suggesting it may affect the body in more ways than once thought.

Oral microbiome: The next big trend in longevity and oral care

The connection between oral health and longevity is gaining attention, with big names in science and wellness leading the conversation.

CEO-turned-biohacker Bryan Johnson recently promoted a detailed oral care routine to prevent disease. At the same time, neuroscientist Andrew Huberman spotlighted the oral microbiome in a full episode of his popular podcast.

Meanwhile, the oral care industry is responding to the trend, with new products like personalized prebiotic toothpaste entering the $55 billion market.

Interest in oral health is rising, and it’s showing in the numbers. According to Mintel, U.S. sales of oral care products climbed 6.3% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $12.2 billion.

Industry experts are now eyeing oral health as the next big wellness trend, hoping it will follow the same path as digestive health—projected to nearly double in value by 2027.

The mouth, like the gut, has its own microbiome

The mouth, like the gut, has its own mix of good and harmful bacteria, but it functions differently.

While a healthy gut is full of diverse microbes that boost immunity and lower the risk of diseases, a healthy oral microbiome is simpler and more controlled.

Daily habits like brushing and flossing are key to maintaining this balance, with brushing acting as a reset to clear harmful bacteria before they spread.

Johnathon Baker, an assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University, compares this process to the regrowth of plants after a volcanic eruption.

If oral care is neglected, bacteria can build up, potentially leading to gum disease.

Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can travel throughout the body and cause damage.

Studies have linked oral bacteria to conditions like Alzheimer’s, colon cancer, and heart disease.

While it’s unclear whether these bacteria directly cause these conditions or simply make the body more vulnerable, early research suggests better oral hygiene could reduce the risk of chronic health issues.

One study found flossing at least once a week could lower the risk of ischemic stroke by over 20%.

As research continues, experts hope to unlock new ways to improve oral and overall health.

Clean your teeth and gums thoroughly every day by brushing and flossing

Good oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth thoroughly at least once daily, according to Jones, a former dental hygienist.

While most dentists recommend brushing twice daily, she said the key is ensuring it’s done properly to remove buildup and keep breath fresh.

Flossing is just as important. Since toothbrushes can’t reach the tight spaces between teeth and gums—where disease often begins—daily flossing is essential to keeping teeth healthy, Jones explained.

She recommended using simple dental floss, adding that while water flossers are gaining popularity, she’s skeptical about their effectiveness.

Her views are backed by Baker, who admitted he didn’t floss regularly before studying the oral microbiome.

That changed after he encountered vivid images of advanced gum disease during graduate school.

“I was like, I’m flossing every day from now on, and I have,” he said.

Here’s Andrew Huberman with Dr. Staci Whitman, talking about improving your teeth and oral microbiome for brain and body health: