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Brushing your teeth at night, a seemingly simple daily habit, is closely related to cardiovascular health.
Recent studies have shown that neglecting evening oral hygiene not only affects dental health, but can also be a potential cause of cardiovascular disease.
As the first line of defense of the human body, the oral cavity bears an important responsibility for health care. When people neglect to brush their teeth at night, bacteria in the mouth can multiply and form plaque. Not only can these bacteria cause oral problems, but they can also travel to other parts of the body through the circulatory system, causing a range of health risks.
A study published in the United States Heart Association journal Circulation followed more than 160,000 Korea adults aged 40-79. Studies have shown that people who brush their teeth less often per week have a higher risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. This finding provides strong evidence for an association between oral health and cardiovascular health.
From the perspective of TCM, oral health is closely linked to general health. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the oral cavity is the gateway to the five internal organs, which is connected to various organs of the body through meridians. Oral problems may reflect dysfunction of internal organs and vice versa. Maintaining good oral hygiene not only prevents oral diseases but also promotes overall health.
Western medicine research has further revealed the mechanism of association between oral bacteria and cardiovascular diseases. When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can trigger a systemic inflammatory response. This chronic inflammatory state can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some oral bacteria can also invade heart tissue directly, causing serious complications such as endocarditis.
The dangers of not brushing your teeth at night go far beyond that.
During sleep, saliva production decreases and the oral self-cleaning ability decreases. If food debris and bacteria are not removed in time, it will lay the foundation for oral problems such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. Long-term neglect of oral hygiene can also affect digestive system function and even increase the risk of certain cancers.
Prevention is better than cure, and practicing good oral hygiene habits is crucial.
It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and evening, for at least two minutes each time. Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste, and using the right brushing technique, can effectively remove plaque and food debris. Regular use of dental floss and mouthwash can clean between teeth and dead corners of the mouth, further improving the effectiveness of oral cleaning.
For people who already have cardiovascular disease, oral hygiene should be paid more attention. Studies have shown that improving oral health may help control the progression of cardiovascular disease. Patients with cardiovascular disease should pay extra attention to oral care in their daily lives and undergo regular oral check-ups.
From the perspective of TCM wellness, maintaining oral health is more than just brushing your teeth.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that oral health is closely related to the function of the spleen and stomach. Regulating the spleen and stomach and eating a balanced diet are also important aspects of maintaining oral health. Proper consumption of some foods with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, astringent and hemostasis, such as green tea, chrysanthemum, dandelion, etc., can help maintain oral health.
Western medicine, on the other hand, emphasizes a holistic approach to oral care.
In addition to daily brushing, it is also important to have regular professional cleanings. Dentists can remove calculus that is difficult to clean on their own and identify potential oral problems in a timely manner. Lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, sugar control, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction can also significantly improve oral health.
As people become more health-conscious, oral care products are constantly innovating. The emergence of new toothbrushes, smart electric toothbrushes, water flossers and other products has provided more options for daily oral care. No amount of advanced tools can replace proper usage and consistent habits.
Although the importance of brushing teeth at night has been widely recognized, there are still many people who ignore this habit for various reasons.
Some people come home too late at night and go straight to bed when they are exhausted; Some people think that brushing their teeth in the morning is enough. None of these ideas are correct. No matter how busy and tired you are, you should stick to the habit of brushing your teeth at night.
For those who have already formed good habits, further optimization of oral care can be considered.
For example, you can try brushing your teeth about half an hour after dinner to clean your mouth in time without affecting your sleep quality by being too close to bedtime. Depending on your individual situation, you can choose the right mouthwash or dental floss for a more comprehensive oral care.
The relationship between oral health and whole-body health is far closer than people think.
In recent years, more and more studies have found that oral problems may be related to a variety of systemic diseases, including diabetes, respiratory diseases, kidney diseases, etc. These findings further underscore the importance of oral hygiene and provide new ideas for the prevention and management of these diseases.
In daily life, people tend to pay more attention to their appearance and ignore the impact of oral health on overall health. In fact, a healthy mouth not only leads to a confident smile, but also supports overall health. We should consider oral care as an important part of a healthy life, not just to keep our breath fresh or teeth white.
It is especially important for parents to develop good oral hygiene habits in their children. Childhood is a critical stage in the formation of lifelong habits, and if you develop the right brushing habits from an early age, you will benefit for a lifetime. Parents can help their children establish correct oral care concepts and habits through practice and edutainment.
With the intensification of the aging trend of the population, the oral health problems of the elderly are also receiving more and more attention. Oral problems may be more complex in the elderly due to the deterioration of physiological functions and the increase in chronic diseases. The elderly should pay more attention to oral care, have regular oral examinations, and detect and deal with oral problems in a timely manner.
From the perspective of public health, it is of great significance to improve the overall national health level by improving the oral health awareness of the whole people and promoting scientific oral care knowledge. The government and relevant institutions should increase the intensity of oral health education and include oral health as an important part of the Healthy China strategy.
Brushing your teeth at night is a seemingly simple habit that is actually related to overall health. Not only does it prevent oral diseases, but it may also reduce the risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
In this age of information explosion, we need to be wary of all kinds of health myths, but at the same time be open to scientific research.
The relationship between oral health and cardiovascular health is the result of in-depth medical research, which deserves our attention and consideration.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.