During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, self-care isn’t always the biggest priority. However, new evidence suggests that simply brushing your teeth not 2, but 3 times a day can actually be beneficial to your health.
An article from Medical News Today shares details of a new study that links heart health to brushing your teeth, saying “Regular tooth brushing may keep heart failure and atrial fibrillation (A-fib) at bay”.
A-fib is a type of arrhythmia that affects at least 2.7 million people in the United States. The irregular heartbeat makes it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body, resulting in fatigue and, sometimes, breathing difficulties. According to the aforementioned study, “Brushing the teeth three times or more a day was linked with a 10% lower chance of developing A-fib.” Furthermore, improved oral hygiene care (including comprehensive dental cleanings) was associated with a 12% decreased risk of heart failure!
This season can be stressful, but taking a few minutes out of the day and prioritizing your oral health can improve your overall health. Even better, it gives you a break from the holiday wrapping, decorating, cooking, and entertaining, which is always nice! During this season of love, try to treat your teeth, and your heart, with a little more kindness.
From all of us at William L. Edwards, we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!