← Go Back

Pearls of Wisdom: Is Longevity on Your Bucket List?

May 5, 2016 1:26 pm Published by

teeth more valuable than diamons

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”

 

Surprisingly this is a quote from the famous Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Even in the early 1600s, the value of our pearly whites was recognized both for esthetic and practical reasons.

 

Today we know that keeping your teeth clean improves your smile and promotes the longevity of your teeth.  We also know that good oral hygiene and regular appointments has been linked to improved heart and overall health, thereby increasing your own longevity as well.

 

And living longer seems to be in demand.

 

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, reporter Jennifer Levitz shares an unusual phenomenon taking place at the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine where Dr. Nir Barzilai is setting up a study to increase longevity. Through word of mouth, seniors from all over the world have been hounding Dr. Barzilai and his colleagues to join his protocol—with many writing to prove their worthiness- a highly unlikely scenario where typically participant recruitment requires begging and offering big money.

 

It appears that living longer is on everyone’s bucket list.

 

There are many well-known longevity tips including:

  • Limiting red meat, sugar and processed foods
  • Exercising regularly
  • Refraining from smoking and excess drinking

 

Not as well-known are studies which indicate that lack of gum disease is a life saver.

  • Michael F. Roizen , an authority on health and wellness, cites a study in his book Real Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be? Which states that “people with gingivitis and periodontitis have a 23-46 percent higher chance of dying than those who are free of the diseases.”
  • He also found that men under the age of 50, who have advanced periodontal disease, are 2.6 times more likely to die prematurely and three times more likely to die from heart disease than those who have healthy teeth and gums.

 

So gum disease and tooth loss not only make you just look older, it also increases your risk of disease and impacts your longevity.

 

A diamond may be a “Girl’s best friend” but pearl-y whites may be your ticket to the fountain of youth.

 

I’d go for the pearls. What’s on your bucket list?

Tags: , , ,

Categorised in:

This post was written by David G. Genet, DMD




Comments are closed here.

← Go Back