When it comes to your heart health, there’s a new 90-day rule to remember. It doesn’t involve diet or exercise; it involves your toothbrush. Experts are warning that using a brush for longer than 90 days can contribute to the inflammation that causes atherosclerosis.
Here’s the science: A toothbrush’s bristles fray over time. These worn bristles can’t effectively remove the bacterial plaque that accumulates on your teeth.
This leftover plaque triggers an immune response, leading to chronic gum inflammation. This persistent, low-grade infection in your mouth is the real source of the danger.
The mouth is a gateway. When the gums are inflamed, they allow bacteria and inflammatory molecules to escape into the bloodstream. This spreads the inflammation to your entire body.
These circulating inflammatory particles can then lodge in your arteries, contributing to the plaque buildup that hardens and narrows them. Following the 90-day rule is a simple, powerful way to protect your arteries.