Is Your Bathroom Routine Harming Your Heart?

A key part of your daily bathroom routine could be inadvertently harming your heart. If you’re using an old toothbrush, you may be contributing to the inflammation that causes atherosclerosis.
Here’s the problem: Worn-out bristles are ineffective. They leave behind the bacterial film known as plaque. This plaque accumulation leads to chronic gum inflammation.
This is where the danger escalates. An inflamed mouth is a compromised barrier. It allows bacteria and inflammatory molecules to enter your bloodstream and circulate.
Once in the blood, these harmful agents can travel to your arteries. They can then contribute to the buildup of plaque, causing the arteries to harden and narrow.
This is why individuals with untreated gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. To protect your heart, ensure your routine is helping, not hurting: replace your toothbrush every three months.