Researchers from Seoul University in South Korea examined the link between oral hygiene and heart problems by following 161,000 people aged 40 to 79 for 10 years, with no history of atrial fibrillation or heart failure. They found that having good oral hygiene and brushing your teeth three times a day reduced the risk of heart failure by 12%.
Brushing your teeth prevents bacteria from entering the blood
“Previous research has suggested that poor oral hygiene leads to bacteria in the blood, causing inflammation in the body. This inflammation increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure (the heart’s ability to pumping blood or relaxing and filling with blood is impaired)” explains the European Federation of Cardiology, who relayed this study. “One explanation is that frequent toothbrushing reduces bacteria in the subgingival biofilm (the bacteria that live in the pocket between the teeth and the gums), preventing their passage into the bloodstream.”
Since this study is limited to a single country, it is still early to recommend toothbrushing as a strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Currently, the French Union for oral health (UFSBD) recommends 2 brushings per day morning and evening for 2 minutes with fluoridated toothpaste.
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