Don’t Let a Frayed Brush Break Your Heart

It may sound overly dramatic, but that old, frayed toothbrush could, quite literally, be helping to break your heart. Experts are highlighting the connection between ineffective brushing tools and the development of atherosclerosis.
The problem is inflammation. Worn-out bristles fail to remove plaque, the bacterial film that causes gum disease. This results in chronic inflammation of the gums.
This inflammation is a gateway. The human mouth, teeming with bacteria, becomes a source of systemic infection. Bacteria and inflammatory molecules can slip into the bloodstream through the compromised gum tissue.
Once in the blood, these harmful agents can travel to the heart and arteries. They are known to contribute to the arterial plaque that hardens and narrows blood vessels, the very definition of heart disease.
This is not a small risk. People with chronic gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from cardiovascular issues. Protecting your heart is as simple as starting with a new toothbrush every three months.