When you think of protecting your heart, you probably think of diet and exercise. But what about your toothbrush? Experts are pointing to the mouth as a critical, and often overlooked, gateway for the bacteria that can lead to hardened arteries.
The link is a condition called atherosclerosis, a narrowing of arteries. The source? Potentially, chronic gum inflammation. This condition arises when bacterial plaque isn’t properly cleaned from the teeth, leading to sore, swollen, or bleeding gums.
The mouth is a bustling hub of bacterial life. While many bacteria are harmless, the types that cause plaque and gum disease are not. When gums are inflamed, this bacterial population can easily breach the thin tissues and enter the circulatory system.
Once bacteria and inflammatory molecules are in the bloodstream, they can travel to the heart’s arteries. They are believed to play a role in the formation of arterial plaque, the waxy substance that clogs arteries and is the hallmark of heart disease.
This is why maintaining oral hygiene is considered preventive healthcare. The most basic rule is to swap out your toothbrush regularly. A brush older than three months loses its effectiveness, leaving behind the plaque that starts this entire dangerous cascade.