A recent study out of Japan published in Scientific Reports (28 June 2023) found that your tooth-brushing habits are directly related to your cardiovascular health and longevity. We all know how important it is for us to brush our teeth regularly. Brushing helps prevent decay and gum disease, and it helps to keep our breath fresh. But what this study discovered was that when you brush, it is equally important! 1675 patients who were over 20 years old and hospitalized for various reasons were followed. They were divided into four groups according to their brushing habits: a) no brushing; b) morning only brushing; c) morning and night brushing; d) night brushing only. The findings were significant! Those who brushed morning and night, or only at night, had significantly higher survival rates for cardiovascular disease than those who brushed only in the morning or didn’t brush at all! The results were even more significant for smokers who only brushed in the morning.

It isn’t news that there is a connection between mouth health and heart health, but this study shows a strong connection between when you brush and heart health. It isn’t enough to brush only when you get up in the morning. What is important is that you brush after your last meal at night, right before going to sleep. The exact reasons for this aren’t fully known, but we do have some strong guesses:

1. Bacteria that stay on teeth and in between the gums and bone around teeth cause periodontal or gum disease, and gum disease leads to cardiovascular disease.
2. Teeth that are lost because of cavities or gum disease from mouth bacteria that linger on teeth overnight cause a person to chew less efficiently. Because of this, their bodies can’t properly process nutrients from food, leading to lower levels of health.
3. Excess mouth bacteria that linger on teeth overnight directly affect gut health by increasing the ratio of bad bacteria in the gut, which in turn directly affects the body’s overall health.
4. Excess mouth bacteria affect a person’s overall immune response, weakening the body and significantly increasing the risk of immune diseases.
5. Excess oral bacteria is known to cause chronic inflammation throughout the body, dramatically increasing the body’s inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation is tied to poor gut health, joint pain, and increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases and cancer.
6. Excess bacteria in the mouth travel throughout the bloodstream and can reach every organ, including the brain. This has been linked to a decline in memory and brain function, as well as Alzheimer’s Disease.

Brushing and good oral hygiene is not just about cavities. It is a part of being healthy, staying healthy, and living a longer and more vital life. For some, good oral hygiene involves a significant change in lifestyle and habits; for others, it is simply improving how and when you brush. These are some important tips to follow:

1. Brush in the morning (preferably after breakfast), and before going to sleep. If you can, brush after lunch also.
2. Clean in between your teeth at least once daily before bed using floss or brushes and dental pics designed to clean in between teeth and by the gums.
3. Keep your gut healthy by including whole foods and probiotic foods in your diet.
4. Have regular dental examinations and cleanings at least twice a year to remove calcified materials like tartar and stains from your teeth.

Small changes in your habits can change your smile, change your health, protect your heart, and help you live a longer and more vital life.