Are you being careless in using your toothbrush? Reusing the same old toothbrush when you crash at a friend’s place or casually borrowing a friend’s toothbrush. If you’re taking your toothbrush too lightly, you risk health problems, beyond oral problems like cavities or gum pain, to major diseases like cardiovascular problems and diabetes.
Also read: Should you floss before or after brushing? Dentist explains what your ideal oral care routine should be
To know more about the role of toothbrush in preventing health problems, HT Lifestyle got in touch with Lt Gen (Retd) Dr Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer, Clove Dental. He revealed that the toothbrush is your first line of defense against many diseases and infections.
Explaining how toothbrushing protects your health, he elaborated, “When someone brushes, they are disrupting a biological chain reaction of germs that can silently travel from your mouth to your heart, and can even affect how your body manages sugar.” This simple habit helps protect vital organs. So in a way, your toothbrush plays the role of a gatekeeper, preventing mouth infections from turning into major physical problems.
According to Dr. Arora, since there are many bacteria in the mouth, about 700 species, not brushing gives them a chance to grow. He warned that these bacteria stick to the gum line, forming sticky plaque and causing inflammation.
“Once bacteria and inflammatory molecules enter the bloodstream, they can reach the heart, liver and even the pancreas, causing low-grade inflammation throughout the body,” he said, highlighting the organs at risk.
risk of diabetes
According to dentists, there is a two-way relationship between diabetes and oral health.
Explaining this bi-directional relationship, she said, “High blood sugar weakens your body’s immune response, which leads to gum infections. Additionally, the toxins released from these infected gums interfere with insulin’s ability to regulate glucose, causing blood sugar levels to rise.”
They influence each other. Poor oral hygiene makes managing blood sugar levels more challenging, while uncontrolled diabetes weakens gums and increases the risk of infection. This is where your toothbrush comes in handy to manage the risks. Since your mouth and metabolism are closely interconnected, you cannot afford to slack on oral hygiene practices.
“It’s a vicious cycle that can be partially broken by something as basic as keeping your teeth and gums clean,” Dr. Arora reminded.
risk of heart disease
“Chronic gingivitis doesn’t just cause the gums to bleed – it can also cause the arteries to harden and narrow, a condition called atherosclerosis,” explains Dr. Arora. In other words, the same inflammation that affects your gums puts pressure on your heart. Atherosclerosis is the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner layer of the artery, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Dr. Arora further added, “Over time, the body’s constant fight against oral infections weakens the heart’s defenses. People with untreated gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease compared to people with healthy gums.”
This means that when your body’s immune system is fighting an infection, the natural response is to cause inflammation. Long-term inflammation damages the heart and increases the chance of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Instead, one should positively adopt healthy oral hygiene practices. The dentist recommended brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular dental checkups.
How often should you change your toothbrush?
The dentist recommended, “Change your toothbrush every three months.” Old toothbrushes may contain germs that can worsen your oral health. Similarly, toothbrushes can also suffer wear and tear, and their bristles can become damaged. Then they are not able to clean properly and cannot reach between the teeth. Due to this bacteria grow.
Additionally, Dr. Arora also recommends avoiding tobacco and limiting sugary foods as they are harmful for your teeth.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
