Miriam Ruth Lampert DMD

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Skipping night brushing could harm far more than just your teeth.

A recent 2023 Scientific Reports study analyzing 1,675 patients found a stark pattern — skipping nightly brushing was linked to significantly higher hospitalizations for heart failure and irregular heartbeat.

When teeth aren’t cleaned before bed, harmful bacteria multiply unchecked for hours. This fuels gum disease, which releases inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream. Over time, that inflammation can damage blood vessels, strain the heart, and raise cardiovascular disease risk.

Nighttime brushing isn’t just about fresh breath — it’s a protective habit for your entire circulatory system. By removing the day’s plaque before sleep, you cut down on bacterial load, reduce gum inflammation, and help safeguard your heart.

Source:
Study: Isomura et al. (2023), Scientific Reports 13:10467 — “Not brushing teeth at night may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease” — DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37738-1