Brushing your teeth twice a day is not only hygienic: it can even save lives

Rolling eyes, timers that seem to go on forever and discussions in the bathroom: brushing your teeth for two minutes every day, twice a day, has been a household routine for years. We know it’s important for fresh breath and healthy teeth, but what many people don’t know: brushing your teeth can even save lives in some cases. How does that work?

New research from the American university Harvard shows that brushing twice a day significantly reduces the risk of pneumonia in seriously ill patients in hospital. And that not only prevents additional complaints, but sometimes even deaths.

The study analyzed data from nearly 2,800 patients from 15 previous studies, most of which took place in intensive care units. The results were striking: patients whose teeth were brushed twice a day were 33 percent less likely to develop a hospital infection such as pneumonia. The effect was even more pronounced in patients on ventilators, who are particularly vulnerable.

In addition, these patients were dependent on ventilation for a shorter period on average, were able to leave the ICU sooner and were 19 percent less likely to die there. How does that work? Simply put: your mouth is full of bacteria, especially in a hospital, which can quickly develop into pathogens. Especially in patients on ventilators, bacteria can easily descend to the lungs. By brushing properly, you remove plaque and prevent harmful microbes from accumulating.

Rinsing alone isn't enough, experts say. Only brushing really gets rid of that stubborn bacterial plaque.

By the way, there is no need to exaggerate: according to the study, brushing more than twice a day did not provide any additional benefit. Brushing your teeth twice a day sounds like a logical ritual. Yet Metro wrote that many Dutch people do not brush their teeth daily and dentists are sounding the alarm when it comes to children's dental health.

The researchers point out that this kind of hygiene should actually be standard in hospitals. But it is also relevant at home: oral health plays a role in more than three hundred conditions, from heart problems to diabetes. And bad gums make it harder to keep your blood sugar under control.

Taking good care of your body starts with brushing your teeth. Of course, it is also important to take good care of your lungs, for example by leaving vaping alone. Metro recently wrote about the shocking risks of vaping and how best to quit.

Please note: this is not medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, always consult a doctor.

Want to know more about health? These articles will help you on your way: