HEART RISK: Are You Brushing with a Frayed, Dangerous Tool?

Look at your toothbrush. Are the bristles frayed? If so, you are using a dangerous tool that could be contributing to heart disease. Experts warn that old brushes fail to stop inflammation, which is the direct link to cardiovascular problems.
“Chronic gum inflammation… can cause arteries to stiffen and narrow,” warns a dental expert. This condition, atherosclerosis, is a killer. The same inflammation that makes your gums bleed is straining your heart, and people with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from it.
This process starts with the 700 species of bacteria in your mouth. An old, frayed brush can’t clean them away. They form plaque, trigger inflammation, and then enter your bloodstream, traveling directly to your heart.
This inflammation also creates a “vicious cycle” with diabetes. High blood sugar weakens your gums, and the resulting infections make it harder for insulin to work, driving blood sugar even higher.
Stop gambling with your health. The absolute rule is to replace your toothbrush every three months. An old brush is ineffective and harbors germs. A new brush is your primary defense against the inflammation that threatens your heart.