Brushing Twice a Day can Help your Heart

Bacteria are found all over your body, including in your mouth. Some of these bacteria have important functions like helping with digestion, but others can be harmful, like the bacteria linked to gum disease. These bacteria must be regularly removed through twice-a-day brushing and daily flossing, otherwise they can multiply and spread throughout your body, raising your risk of heart disease.

Bleeding gums can be an invitation for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of body-wide inflammation. The inflammation can trigger atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the arteries, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. The British Medical Journal published a study in 2010 reporting that twice-a-day brushing is linked with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Twice-a-day brushing removes the bacteria that causes plaque and increases the risk of gum disease. While twice a day brushing may not prevent a heart attack, inadequate oral hygiene practices that lead to periodontal disease can increase the risk in an otherwise healthy person. Unhealthy gums and teeth can lead to a number of serious health consequences, but healthy gums and teeth are important to your overall physical well being.

Twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and biannual visits to the dentist may be all it takes to ensure a cleaner, healthier mouth. If you notice early symptoms of gum disease such as bleeding or swollen gums, it is important that you contact your dentist for a thorough evaluation to ensure the health of both your mouth and your heart.

Source: Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist
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