Your toothbrush has one primary job: to act as a “gatekeeper” and prevent oral bacteria from invading the rest of your body. But if your brush is old and worn, it’s failing at that job, leaving you vulnerable to diabetes and heart disease.
A chief clinical officer explains that brushing is meant to stop a “biological chain reaction.” This chain starts with the 700 types of bacteria in your mouth. When they multiply, they form plaque, cause inflammation, and “silently” travel from your mouth to your heart.
This inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease. It can lead to atherosclerosis, or the hardening of arteries. People with ongoing gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from cardiovascular problems because their body is in a constant state of low-grade inflammation.
A similar “vicious cycle” occurs with diabetes. High blood sugar weakens the gums, making them susceptible to infection. The infection then releases toxins that disrupt insulin regulation, pushing blood sugar even higher.
To ensure your gatekeeper is effective, you must maintain it. The rule is to replace your toothbrush every three months. Frayed bristles can’t clean properly and can harbor germs, rendering your brushing useless and leaving the gate wide open.
