Do you brush your teeth daily before sleep? How poor oral hygiene is connected to your heart health

Are you in the habit of brushing your teeth before sleep? If not, it is time to start as practising good oral hygiene is one of the easiest ways to keep your heart healthy. 

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist in a recent Instagram video shared how practising good oral hygiene can improve the overall health of a person. His Instagram account, Doctor Sethi, also shared three impacts of not keeping up with good oral hygiene. 

In his video, he begins by saying, "If you don't brush your teeth before sleep, you may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease." 

By referring to studies, Sethi draws a connection between oral health and heart health. "Here are three things to remember...," he said. 

How poor oral hygiene can impact your overall health

1. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that could affect the heart over time. 

2. Gum disease, which is a direct result of poor oral hygiene. It has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. 

3. Studies show that people who brush their teeth regularly along with getting dental cleanings, tend to have healthier hearts and lower risk of heart disease, Dr Sethi added in his video. 

According to Sethi, brushing every night into your daily night can help safeguard your heart from fatal diseases. 

Studies have shown that practising good oral hygiene habits including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, can prevent gum disease and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, highlighting the importance of a healthy smile for overall well-being.