If you’re at risk for atherosclerosis, your dental hygiene routine deserves a serious look. Experts warn that the dangerous hardening of arteries is directly linked to chronic inflammation, which often starts in the gums.
The problem? An old, frayed toothbrush. After three months, a brush loses its effectiveness. It can’t properly remove the bacterial plaque that builds up on teeth.
This plaque buildup is the direct cause of chronic gum inflammation, a persistent infection. This inflammation essentially opens a “superhighway” for bacteria and their byproducts to enter your bloodstream.
The mouth is home to 700 bacterial species. When they get into the blood, they cause a body-wide inflammatory response. This systemic inflammation is a known cause of the arterial plaque that leads to heart disease.
This explains the statistic that those with untreated gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart problems. The most powerful, simple change you can make is replacing your toothbrush regularly.