That old toothbrush with splayed bristles is doing more than just a bad job of cleaning. It’s rolling out the welcome mat for bacteria that can lead to heart disease.
The connection, according to experts, is atherosclerosis. This dangerous hardening of arteries is strongly linked to chronic inflammation. And a primary, overlooked source of this inflammation is your mouth.
When an old brush fails to remove plaque, the gums become inflamed. This condition, known as periodontitis, is a chronic infection.
This infection allows the mouth’s 700-plus species of bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This bacterial load, along with inflammatory signals, then circulates throughout the body.
These particles can then contribute to the narrowing and stiffening of arteries. This is why gum disease sufferers are at nearly double the risk for heart problems. The simple fix: throw out the old “welcome mat” and replace your brush every three months.