Are you “sloppy” with your toothbrush, reusing the same one for months or borrowing a friend’s? A dental expert warns this habit is “opening the door” to catastrophic health problems, including cardiovascular issues.
Your toothbrush is meant to be a “gatekeeper.” Its job is to interrupt a biological process where germs travel from your mouth to your heart. But a frayed, old brush can’t do this. It allows the 700 species of oral bacteria to multiply, form plaque, and cause inflammation.
This inflammation is the enemy. It allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This is what leads to atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries. People with untreated gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease.
This systemic inflammation also has a “two-way” relationship with diabetes, making blood sugar harder to control.
The solution is not to be “sloppy.” Replace your toothbrush every three months. This simple, non-negotiable habit ensures your “gatekeeper” is functioning, the bristles are effective, and you are protecting your heart from oral bacteria.
The “Sloppy” Habit That Could Give You Heart Disease
