The 700 Species: Oral Bacteria and Systemic Inflammation

The human mouth is a complex ecosystem containing approximately 700 species of bacteria. A chief clinical officer warns that if this microbiome is not properly managed, it can lead to systemic inflammation and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
The toothbrush, he explains, is the “first line of defense.” Its purpose is to mechanically disrupt this bacterial community, preventing it from forming plaque and triggering inflammation. When brushing is skipped, or done with a frayed brush, these bacteria multiply.
Once inflammation is triggered at the gum line, “bacteria and inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream.” From there, they can “reach the heart, liver, and even the pancreas, igniting low-grade inflammation across the body.”
This systemic inflammation is the link to heart disease (via atherosclerosis) and the “vicious cycle” of diabetes (where infection and high blood sugar exacerbate each other).
Given the critical role of the toothbrush, its efficacy is paramount. The clinical recommendation is a replacement every three months. After this period, bristles fray, becoming ineffective at plaque removal and potentially harboring the very bacteria they are meant to remove.