[Pshaw]

I don't think it impacts on your life expectancy because it is not a chronic illness like hypertension and diabetes. It is really an infection. The greatest risks are eventual loss of teeth if left untreated, and possibly septicaemia which is potentially life-threatening. Septicaemia basically means an infection that has moved into your blood. I think this would happen in an extreme case though!!Just keep up with your oral hygiene practices and don't miss dental appointments. You'll be just fine. Doctors are obligated to inform patients of every little risk and potential complication, no matter how rare they are.