A TikTok doctor highlights a crucial step often overlooked in hygiene routines.
“Guys, I’m going to give you one mind-blowing health tip that can not only have a profound impact on your health, it only takes 30 seconds each night — and I can almost guarantee you’re not doing it,” Dr. Joe Whittington begins in his video, addressing the camera.
“Every single night you should be washing your toothbrush bristles with soap and water,” the doc points to an electric toothbrush, emphasizing its importance.
Whittington, known as @drjoe_md on TikTok, advises his 1.8 million followers to cleanse their toothbrushes nightly to mitigate bacterial and viral growth.
“Not only can this greatly impact the amount of bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth, now studies are showing that the bacteria in your mouth may be linked to your cardiovascular health, including the development of heart failure and atrial fibrillation,” the influential doctor elaborates.
And his assertion holds true. With approximately 700 species of microbes residing in the mouth, while some are beneficial, others contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Research has established a correlation between gum inflammation, gum infection, tooth damage (periodontal disease), and heart disease, with a 2018 study linking good teeth brushing habits to a reduced risk of heart disease.
