Curious to know about it?? All our lives we have thought that brushing our teeth prevents cavities and gum disease, but did you know it may also help in protecting your heart?
This small little daily routine habit of yours could save you from the major diseases of the heart.
What Happens If You Don’t Brush Regularly?
When teeth are not brushed regularly, plaque builds up on the gums, leading to gum infection and inflammation. Harmful bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and trigger long-term inflammation, which is linked to heart problems such as heart attacks and stroke.
When Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Brushing at the right time is just as important as brushing properly. Here’s a simple guide to help you protect your teeth and gums:
v Brush Twice a Day
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Morning: Brush after waking up to remove bacteria that build up overnight.
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Night (Most Important): Brush before going to bed to clean away food and plaque so tha bacteria don’t damage teeth while you sleep.
v After Meals? Wait a Bit
- If you eat acidic foods or drinks (citrus fruits, soda, coffee, juices), wait 30 minutes before brushing.
This allows saliva to neutralize acids and prevents enamel damage.
v How Long to Brush
- Brush for 2 minutes each time—cover all surfaces of every tooth.
Why Timing Matters
Brushing at night is crucial.Bottom of FormStudies have shown that individuals who brush their teeth less than twice daily, especially those who skip night-time brushing, tend to have higher levels of oral bacteria and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein.
Night-time brushing is particularly important
· salivary flow decreases during sleep,
· reducing the mouth’s natural cleansing mechanism
· bacterias proliferate which increases risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
While toothbrushing alone cannot prevent heart disease, therefore we should:
· Go for regular dental check-ups
· Maintain overall good oral hygiene along with periodontal care
· Eat diet rich in fibres
Dentist highlights the importance of integrating oral health promotion into broader non-communicable disease prevention strategies. So are you ready to keep your Heart healthy?
MBH/AB