A small problem in your mouth can create a dangerous ripple effect throughout your entire body. Health professionals are pointing to poor oral hygiene as a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, the condition of hardened, narrow arteries.
The problem begins when plaque, a bacterial film, is left on the teeth. This is often the fault of an old, worn-out toothbrush that has lost its cleaning power.
This plaque buildup causes chronic gum inflammation. This condition is essentially a constant, low-grade infection that your body must fight. This fight, over time, can wear down your body’s defenses.
Because the gums are inflamed, they become porous. This allows harmful bacteria and the inflammatory chemicals they produce to enter the bloodstream and circulate.
These “invaders” can then contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries, far from their starting point. It’s a key reason why people with untreated gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. A new toothbrush every three months is a simple way to stop this ripple effect.