Bacteria from your mouth are making a “silent trip” to your heart, and your old toothbrush is helping them. A dental expert reveals that germs from your mouth can travel through your bloodstream, and this process is a key risk factor for heart disease.
This bacterial migration starts at the gum line. The mouth contains 700 types of bacteria. When not brushed away effectively, they form plaque and cause inflammation. This inflammation creates an entry point into the bloodstream.
Once circulating, these bacteria and inflammatory molecules can contribute to atherosclerosis, the stiffening and narrowing of arteries. This condition is a major cause of heart attacks. People with untreated gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease.
This inflammation also impacts your metabolic health. It can interfere with insulin’s ability to regulate glucose, worsening diabetes in a “vicious cycle” where the disease and the infection feed each other.
To stop this silent trip, you must control the source. Replace your toothbrush every three months. A brush with frayed bristles can’t disrupt the plaque that lets bacteria into your bloodstream. It’s a simple habit that acts as a gatekeeper for your heart.
