The medical community is taking a closer look at the “mouth-heart connection,” and the findings are clear: your oral health directly impacts your cardiovascular system. A key driver of this link is the inflammation that can lead to atherosclerosis.
This dangerous hardening of the arteries often begins with something simple: plaque on your teeth. When this bacterial film isn’t removed, it triggers a chronic inflammatory response in the gums.
A primary culprit for this failure is an old toothbrush. After about three months of use, the bristles become worn and ineffective, leaving plaque behind to fuel the inflammation.
This is where the connection becomes systemic. An inflamed mouth allows oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream. These bacteria and the body’s inflammatory response to them can then damage arteries, contributing to plaque buildup.
Individuals with untreated gum disease are constantly fighting this low-grade infection, which wears down the heart’s defenses and nearly doubles their risk of heart disease. A new toothbrush every three months is a simple way to cut this dangerous connection.