Protecting your arteries from hardening (atherosclerosis) may be as simple as your next trip to the pharmacy. A dental expert says that a new toothbrush, replaced every three months, is a key tool in preventing this serious heart condition.
The link is inflammation. “Chronic gum inflammation,” says a dental professional, “…can cause arteries to stiffen and narrow.” This inflammation doesn’t stay in your mouth. It starts when bacteria form plaque, but it travels through your bloodstream.
The 700 species of bacteria in your mouth are the source. A toothbrush with frayed bristles can’t clean them away. They multiply, inflame the gums, and then “silently” travel to your heart, where they contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
This is why people with untreated gum disease are at a much higher risk for heart attacks. Their body is constantly fighting an infection, which wears down the heart’s defenses.
The takeaway is simple: spend a few dollars on a new toothbrush every three months. It’s a tiny investment that ensures your bristles are effective, your plaque is removed, and your arteries are protected from oral inflammation.