You may have heard this surprising fact while in your dentist's chair getting your teeth cleaned. If not, listen up: Neglecting to brush your teeth before bed can lead to gum disease, which is closely linked to increased blood pressure and heart disease.
In fact, according to a gastroenterologist on TikTok, skipping your nightly oral care routine is one of the most secret contributors to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Here's what you need to know about teeth brushing and its links to blood pressure and heart health.
RELATED: Doctors Warn Your Dental Habits Could Be Increasing Your Stroke Risk—What to Know
The Oral-Heart Connection
"If you don't brush your teeth before sleep, you may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease," gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi told his 497,000 TikTok followers in a recent post, reports the New York Post.
It seems odd, but it's true. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, results from the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
"Gum disease, which is a direct result of poor oral hygiene, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems," Sethi explained.
More specifically, when gums become inflamed and infected, harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation.This chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels, contributing to hypertension (high blood pressure) and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Studies have shown that people with gum disease are 28% more likely to experience a heart attack and have double the risk of having a stroke.
Why Brushing Your Teeth Nightly Matters
If that's not enough reason to make sure you're brushing your teeth every night consider this: If you don't, all the harmful bacteria from your day of eating and drinking and breathing will proliferate overnight, exacerbating gum inflammation and increasing your likelihood of periodontal disease, doctors say.
And, the worse your oral hygiene, the more susceptible you are to increased blood pressure, and eventually, heart health issues.
RELATED: Experts Raise Alarm on the Most Lethal Disease in America: "It's Killing Every 34 Seconds"
Practical Steps to Lower Your Heart Disease Risk
To make sure your blood pressure remains at healthy levels and you keep your heart disease risk low, make sure you're:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing once a day
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups
As Dr. Sethi said, "Keeping up with your oral hygiene is one of the easiest ways to keep your heart heallthy."
