That toothbrush you’ve been using for six months is doing more than just moving germs around. It’s failing to stop the buildup of plaque, effectively fueling the inflammation that experts now link to heart disease.
The condition is atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries. The connection is the chronic inflammation that starts in the gums.
When a toothbrush is old, its bristles are matted and useless. They can’t clean away the plaque, so the gums stay in a constant state. of irritation and infection.
This inflammation is a gateway. It allows bacteria and inflammatory byproducts from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. This turns a local dental issue into a systemic threat.
These circulating inflammatory agents can then travel to your arteries, contributing to the plaque buildup that causes heart disease. To stop fueling this fire, replace your toothbrush every three months.