Did you know your teeth can predict how long you'll live? Experts reveal one critical factor to observe that indicates long-term health. The key to a longer life starts with the small things.

Recent research clearly shows that "oral health" may be one of the most important indicators of lifespan. Scientists from Japan and the United States found that strong, well-maintained teeth aren't just about aesthetics—they're directly linked to overall health and longevity.

The Unexpected Key to a Longer Life: It All Starts in Your Mouth

For many people, visiting the dentist might be an unpleasant experience, from the sound of instruments to the clinic smell or fear of treatment. But new evidence shows that regular dental checkups and treatment can add years to your life. Research from Osaka University, working with researchers from the US and Finland, found that oral health is closely connected to overall health and human lifespan.

Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss: A "Silent Danger" More Serious Than You Think

Historically, cavities, infections, and mouth inflammation have caused serious diseases and death. Though modern dental technology has advanced greatly, this problem remains a major threat. The World Health Organization lists declining oral health as a major risk factor for the elderly. A Japanese study analyzing data from nearly 200,000 seniors (age 75+) found that those with many missing teeth or untreated cavities had significantly higher mortality risk than those with healthy or properly treated teeth.

Good Teeth = Good Health = Long Life

Researchers note that the number of strong, well-maintained teeth is a crucial indicator of overall health. The more teeth you lose, the greater your risk of serious disease, including:

- Diabetes - High blood pressure - Heart disease - Kidney failure - Dementia - Even cancer

US research found that people with untreated cavities have higher heart disease mortality risk. In Finland, heart disease patients who maintained proper dental care lived longer than those who neglected oral health. The key finding is that it's not just the number of teeth, but their "condition" that determines our health and lifespan.

"Oral Fragility": A New Risk Factor Drawing Attention

Research from a scientific institute in Tokyo highlights a condition called "oral fragility," which includes symptoms such as:

- Missing teeth - Dry mouth - Speech difficulty - Chewing or swallowing difficulty

Seniors with three or more of these symptoms have a 34% higher mortality risk compared to those without them. The main cause stems from malnutrition, as they can't chew or swallow food properly, leading to a weaker body and increased illness.

Visiting the Dentist: An Investment in a Longer Life

Interestingly, regular dental visits can extend your lifespan by approximately one year. Researchers from Tokyo note that "tooth condition has a significant relationship with shortened lifespan, emphasizing the importance of oral health to the quality of life for seniors." Whether male or female, maintaining your teeth and receiving continuous dental care increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

Oral health isn't a minor issue—it's one of the critical factors affecting your long-term health. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly may be simple keys that help you live a longer, higher-quality life.

Sophon Sarum, President of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, along with executives from the House Secretariat, visited the parliamentary indoor gymnasium located on the 5th floor of the Parliament building during a public holiday. The facility is available for use by parliamentary members and staff from both the House and Senate secretariats for exercise and health maintenance.

Sophon stated that the visit aims to establish guidelines for promoting and developing health and fitness programs for all parliamentary members and staff, with the goal of ensuring everyone maintains good physical health, reduces work-related stress, improves quality of life, and ultimately enhances work efficiency.

The Prachathai Party has launched a major Out of Home (OOH) advertising campaign featuring over 100 billboards strategically placed across Bangkok, covering business districts, main routes, and areas where residents work and go about their daily lives. The billboard messages highlight various difficulties facing Bangkok residents, including taking parents to the doctor, commuting home in the evening, saving money, running a business, walking alone at night, breathing clean air, raising children, and maintaining good health. The campaign aims to encourage Bangkok residents to pause and reflect on daily hardships they may have become accustomed to, ending with the message 'Simple Bangkok for simpler lives for everyone.' This is intended to inspire residents to imagine an easier Bangkok should the Prachathai Party's candidate and team lead the city. The party will formally launch its Bangkok gubernatorial candidate on May 5 at 5 p.m. at Siam Paragon's The Mitr-ting Room on the fifth floor, though earlier reports suggested the event would be held at the Siam Museum.

Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongsuwan has directed the Thai Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) to act as a driving mechanism for human capital development under the 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' policy, calling it a critical foundation for national progress. On May 1, Prof. Dr. Yuthasak Wongsuwan, in his capacity as supervisor of TPQI, issued work directives to the institute's executive team, including Chairman Pisitr Rangsuksethkul and Director Chullada Meechul, with Labor Minister Julpan Amorwiwattana and his team in attendance. TPQI plays a vital role in certifying professionals, particularly in specialized skill development through upskilling and reskilling programs, issuing professional certificates rather than degrees but with qualifications equivalent to formal education credentials.

The institute can link labor database information with employer skill requirements and workforce capabilities, enabling certifications comparable to academic qualifications that can lead to wage increases and improved employment prospects. Prof. Dr. Yuthasak emphasized the need for cross-ministry collaboration centered on human capital development, involving the Labor Ministry, Education Ministry, Human Security Ministry, and the Higher Education Ministry, all working under the unified 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' policy. He urged TPQI to develop new professional standards addressing technological, economic, and social changes, including upskilling and reskilling in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, solar installation, post-retirement careers, and creative economy industries, while coordinating with the Wellness Economy initiative.

Labor Minister Julpan pledged support for TPQI collaboration, particularly with the Department of Skill Development in integrating curricula for emerging professions and enabling workers trained by the department to receive TPQI professional certifications. He emphasized that workers must gain real benefits in job opportunities, increased income, and career security, which form the essential foundation for long-term national development.

The House Speaker convened representatives from six political parties that received committee chair allocations to coordinate the division of responsibilities among the current parliament's 35 standing committees. Among the 500 representatives, Bhum Jai Thai Party secured 14 committees, Prachathai Party 9, Pheu Thai Party 5, Kla Tham Party 4, Prachathipat Party 2, and Thai United Power Party 1. The political parties have recently submitted the names of chairs and vice-chairs for all 35 committees. The House will now issue formal appointment orders along with complete rosters of committee members, secretaries, and spokespeople to proceed with their functions.

The current House of Representatives is now prepared to fulfill its legislative role as prescribed by the Constitution. The 35 committees will help distribute the substantial workload and responsibilities of the House. Parliamentary committees are internal organs of parliament composed of selected members from the House, Senate members, and experts appointed to investigate or study assigned matters and report findings upon completion.

Committees serve as mechanisms for parliamentary operations, as parliament holds broad powers and responsibilities encompassing all national affairs while needing to address diverse legal issues. This requires gathering comprehensive factual information for thorough consideration and decision-making. However, parliamentary limitations—including constrained meeting schedules and varying individual expertise—necessitate specialized committees.

These committees take responsibility for reviewing specific legislation and conducting assigned work according to their authority and terms of reference. This enables members to develop deeper understanding of issues and facts, ensures the House receives accurate and appropriate information through coordination with relevant agencies, and allows effective monitoring of government administration.

Therefore, those elected as chairs, vice-chairs, and members of the 35 standing committees are honored with specific responsibilities serving the House and providing robust oversight of the executive branch. They must perform their duties with integrity, prioritizing public welfare and national interest, upholding democracy, remaining open to diverse perspectives, and seeking accurate and comprehensive information.

The Department of Internal Trade visited palm oil farmers to reaffirm that exports remain operational and to encourage increased B20 biodiesel usage, supporting palm prices that have adjusted to 6.80-7.20 baht per kilogram, with farmers confident the situation is improving.

Department Director Wittayakorn Maniyanet revealed that palm oil farmers from central Thailand's Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces had submitted a letter to the Commerce Ministry expressing concerns about palm oil prices and export conditions. Following Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutheppundit's directive, the department is closely monitoring and urgently addressing the issue.

Today, the department visited palm oil farmers in Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces to meet with Manas Phuttarat, chairman of the Thai Palm Oil Farmers Association, mill operators, and local farmers to directly hear their situation and proposals.

The ministry is continuously monitoring the entire palm oil system and managing balance across inventory, domestic consumption, and exports to ensure fair market prices for all parties. Regarding farmers' export concerns, the department confirmed that palm oil exports continue normally under appropriate stock management. Since April 7, 2026, 11 exporters have been approved for shipments totaling over 200,000 tons, maintaining manageable levels.

"Rising global energy prices have increased demand for crude palm oil in the energy sector. The government promotes biodiesel use to reduce diesel imports and strengthen energy security," the director stated.

Monthly demand for crude palm oil for biodiesel production now exceeds 100,000 tons, with over 200 B20 fuel service stations established nationwide. Government policy prices B20 below B7 to encourage usage, clearly boosting domestic crude palm oil demand and supporting current palm prices.

Wittayakorn noted that palm prices have recently adjusted upward to 6.80-7.20 baht per kilogram, up from the previous week's 6.60-7.00 baht range, reflecting improved market direction from both domestic and global demand.

During the field visit, the department checked oil palm purchasing conditions at mills, including Somtong Group Company Limited (Public), which confirmed normal operations at full capacity with no queuing issues, as harvest gradually reaches market without concentrated buildup like previous years.

The department emphasized mills should purchase palm based on quality and oil content to treat farmers fairly and incentivize quality improvement, particularly harvesting ripe fruit with high oil content, to elevate Thailand's long-term palm oil standards.

Manas Phuttarat reported that farmers are currently satisfied with improving prices and this season's purchasing situation is better than last year, with no palm fruit spoilage at mills. He requested continued government oversight to ensure fair treatment and noted farmers are pleased with continuously improving prices.