TOOTHBRUSHING AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF POPULATION-BASED EVIDENCE

Authors

  • Loreto Galaz-Parrao Oral and Maxillofacial Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Talca. Talca, región del Maule, Chile. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4594-4166
  • Francisca Montoya-Mena Oral and Maxillofacial Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Talca. Talca, región del Maule, Chile. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7596-1243
  • César Rivera Oral and Maxillofacial Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Talca. Talca, región del Maule, Chile. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5491-4233

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21142/

Keywords:

cardiovascular diseases, oral hygiene, toothbrushing, stroke, myocardial infarction, prevention, review

Abstract

Emerging evidence from population-based studies increasingly underscores a significant association between oral hygiene practices—specifically toothbrushing frequency—and cardiovascular health outcomes. This brief narrative review synthesizes epidemiologic and mechanistic data, demonstrating that infrequent toothbrushing is consistently linked to elevated risks of stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. These associations appear partially mediated by systemic inflammation (e.g., hsCRP, IL-6), metabolic dysregulation (e.g., HbA1c), and transient bacteremia. Numerous large-scale studies and meta-analyses report that brushing twice or more daily is associated with significantly reduced cardiovascular risk. Importantly, these findings converge despite differences in study populations, methodologies, and endpoints. The evidence supports regular toothbrushing as a feasible, low-cost, and globally scalable intervention with measurable systemic benefits. Integration of oral hygiene promotion into public health frameworks may contribute meaningfully to cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly in underserved communities.

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Published

2025-12-28

Issue

Section

Review Articles

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