At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we view oral health as an essential component of overall wellbeing — not only for aesthetics, but for long-term health and function. Recent scientific research now reinforces this perspective, demonstrating a measurable association between oral health, dental care, and healthy life expectancy in older adults.
A large prospective cohort study conducted in Japan and published in October 2025 in Geriatrics & Gerontology International followed more than 11,000 adults aged 65 years and older over a six-year period to evaluate how oral health status influences disability and mortality outcomes.
This functional approach highlights that oral health extends beyond teeth alone and reflects the integrated performance of the entire oral system.
Oral Frailty and Health Outcomes
The findings showed clear associations between oral frailty and adverse health outcomes. Individuals with oral frailty experienced:
These results indicate that oral function plays a significant role in maintaining independence and quality of life with aging.
The Role of Regular Dental Visits
Importantly, the study also examined the impact of dental care. Participants who had recent dental visits demonstrated approximately one additional year of healthy life expectancy, regardless of whether oral frailty was present.
This suggests that ongoing dental care may help preserve oral function and contribute positively to overall health outcomes in later life.
See also
3 reasons why you should see your dentist and hygienist regularly
Clinical Implications
Maintaining oral health supports essential daily functions such as eating, speaking, and social interaction. Regular dental assessments allow for:
From a clinical perspective, preventive dental care represents an important aspect of healthy aging.
Our Commitment at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers
At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we provide comprehensive dental care focused on long-term oral function, prevention, and patient wellbeing. Our approach is aligned with current evidence linking oral health to broader health outcomes.
Regular dental check-ups are not only about maintaining a healthy smile, they are an investment in maintaining quality of life over time.
References
- Khairinisa S, Kiuchi S, Matsuyama Y, Iwasaki M, Aida J.
- Oral Frailty, Dental Visits, and Healthy Life Expectancy: A 6-Year Prospective Cohort Among Japanese Older Adults.
- Geriatrics & Gerontology International. 2025.
