Experts have identified a dangerous “plaque-to-plaque” pathway in the body. It starts with the plaque on your teeth and can end with the plaque in your arteries, and your old toothbrush is a key enabler.
The bridge between these two forms of plaque is inflammation. When a frayed toothbrush fails to remove dental plaque, the gums become chronically inflamed.
This inflammation in the mouth doesn’t stay put. It opens the door for oral bacteria and their byproducts to enter the bloodstream, creating a systemic inflammatory state.
This body-wide inflammation is a primary cause of atherosclerosis. The circulating bacteria and inflammatory molecules can damage arterial walls, encouraging the buildup of the fatty plaques that cause hardening.
This pathway is why gum disease is a major risk factor for heart disease. To break the chain, you must control the initial plaque. That starts with an effective tool: a new toothbrush every three months.
The Plaque-to-Plaque Pathway: From Teeth to Arteries
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