Heart Attack: Brushing teeth at night and its link with heart attacks: 3 things to know |
Brushing teeth before bed may seem like a small hygiene habit, but a recent Japanese study suggests it might carry bigger consequences, including a possible link to heart attacks. While this idea might sound dramatic at first, researchers are beginning to uncover how oral hygiene, especially at night, could play a serious role in long-term heart health. Here’s what’s really known so far, and why brushing at night is more important than ever.
Brushing only in the morning is enough
A common belief is that brushing teeth after waking up is all it takes to keep oral health in check. This thinking comes from childhood habits; many are taught to brush before breakfast, but not necessarily before bed.The study, which examined over 1,500 hospitalised patients, found a trend: many adults skipped brushing at night, regardless of age. Those who brushed only in the morning had a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those who brushed both morning and night.
But here’s where things get important, it wasn’t just about when brushing happened, but also the consistency and overall oral health awareness. People who brushed only once a day also tended to skip brushing after meals and had a general lack of interest in dental care. This long-term neglect could contribute to the buildup of harmful bacteria, which over time may increase inflammation throughout the body, including in the heart.
How oral bacteria can travel to the heart
The idea that bacteria from the mouth could somehow reach the heart might seem strange at first. But the body doesn’t operate in silos.When brushing habits are poor, especially at night when salivary flow is reduced, oral bacteria can multiply. These bacteria can sneak into the bloodstream, especially in those with bleeding gums or periodontal disease. Once there, they may contribute to chronic inflammation or even bacterial infections like endocarditis (an infection of the heart’s inner lining).This link isn’t just theory. A study by Lockhart et al. highlighted that people with poor oral hygiene had higher chances of experiencing bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood) after toothbrushing. And this bacteremia is more than just a side-effect, it may be a trigger point for more serious cardiac events in already vulnerable individuals.
Why brushing at night matters more than brushing in the morning
It’s not that morning brushing isn’t helpful, it certainly removes the overnight bacterial buildup. But brushing at night plays a more protective role.
For generations, brushing twice a day was the gold standard, and that too only in urban households.
At night, the mouth dries out. Saliva, which helps wash away bacteria, reduces in flow. This creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Skipping nighttime brushing means letting food particles, sugars, and bacteria sit undisturbed for 7-8 hours, potentially leading to gum infections or worsening of existing dental issues.Even though the study had its limitations, such as only analysing hospitalised patients, and not accounting for flossing or brushing technique, the message remains consistent: brushing at night helps protect the body during its most vulnerable hours.Let’s be clear, brushing teeth at night is not a magical shield against heart disease. The researchers themselves admitted the study couldn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Factors like age, existing heart conditions, and even hospital settings played a big role in the outcome.But what does emerge from this research is a pattern: good oral hygiene, especially at night, correlates with better health outcomes. This includes fewer cardiac events, lower hospitalisations, and even improved overall life prognosis in vulnerable groups.[Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on observational research and does not imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. This article is intended for general awareness and should not replace professional medical advice.]
