Research suggests that not brushing your teeth before bed may raise your risk for heart disease. When you sleep, saliva production drops, giving plaque and bacteria more time to stay on your teeth and gums. Over time, this can lead to gum inflammation, which has been linked to vascular inflammation and increased heart disease risk.
Studies have shown a strong connection between poor oral hygiene, gum inflammation, and worse cardiovascular health. Experts recommend brushing and flossing before bed to remove plaque and bacteria buildup from the day, lowering your risk for both gum issues and heart impacts.
Frequent toothbrushing (three or more times per day) is associated with lower risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure over time. Regular professional dental cleanings can also make a difference in reducing heart-failure risk. To protect your oral and heart health, experts suggest:
* Brushing and flossing before bed
* Staying on top of dental cleanings and gum symptoms
* Cutting back on added sugars, especially late-night sweet drinks
* Eating a high-fiber, produce-rich diet that supports both gum and heart health
Source: https://www.aol.com/articles/nighttime-habit-quietly-raising-risk-000000533.html