Go look at your toothbrush. Is it looking a little ratty? Bristles spreading out? You might think it’s no big deal, but that old brush could be helping to wreck your heart. Experts say it’s a direct link to cardiovascular disease.
Here’s how: “Chronic gum inflammation… can cause arteries to stiffen and narrow,” warns a dental pro. This is called atherosclerosis, and it’s what leads to heart attacks. That inflammation starts in your gums.
Your mouth is packed with 700 types of bacteria. An old, frayed brush is useless against them. They build up, form plaque, and make your gums inflamed. This inflammation is like a leaky pipe, letting bacteria into your bloodstream.
Once they’re in your blood, they travel to your heart. Your body is constantly trying to fight this infection, which “wears down the heart’s defenses.” This is why gum disease makes you almost twice as likely to have heart problems.
The fix is simple. Toss that old brush and get a new one every three months. It’s a tiny price to pay to keep your arteries clear and your heart safe from infections that start in your mouth.