The Cardiovascular Risk in Your Bathroom Cabinet

A significant risk factor for heart disease may be lurking in your bathroom cabinet. It’s your old toothbrush. Dental professionals are emphasizing that this simple tool is a key player in the fight against atherosclerosis.
The link is inflammation. A toothbrush with frayed bristles is ineffective at removing plaque. This plaque buildup leads to chronic gum inflammation, a persistent, low-grade infection.
The mouth is a potent source of bacteria. When the gums are inflamed, this bacterial population can easily breach the thin tissues and enter the circulatory system.
This “seeding” of the bloodstream with bacteria and inflammatory molecules is a major problem. These substances can journey to the heart’s arteries, where they are believed to play a direct role in forming the plaque that clogs blood vessels.
This is why maintaining oral hygiene is considered critical preventive healthcare. The most basic rule is to swap out your toothbrush every three months. A new brush is a powerful tool against the inflammation that threatens your heart.