Your mouthwash could be causing more harm than just treating bad breath.

Is your daily routine of using mouthwash silently impacting your health? Despite its promise of fresh breath and cavity protection, research indicates a potential downside: it could be detrimental to your heart health. Let’s delve into the scientific evidence behind this unexpected connection and explore alternative options to safeguard both your oral and overall well-being.

Overview

• Oral Bacteria and Wellness: Essential oral bacteria play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and preventing diabetes by producing nitric oxide, which supports vascular health.
• Physical Activity and Mouthwash: Using mouthwash before exercising may counteract any cardiovascular benefits by reducing nitric oxide levels.
• Healthier Options Available: Steer clear of mouthwashes containing Triclosan, chlorhexidine, and alcohol. Opt for natural alternatives like matcha, propolis, and aloe vera to maintain oral health without disrupting beneficial bacteria.

Why Using Mouthwash Could Impact Your Health Negatively

The majority of individuals in the U.S. incorporate mouthwash into their daily oral hygiene routine to cleanse their mouths, eliminate oral bacteria for fresher breath, shield their teeth from cavities, and protect their gums from infections.

However, a significant portion of the estimated 200 million daily mouthwash users may be unknowingly compromising their health. A growing number of medical experts are cautioning that the eradication of bacteria by mouthwash could lead to serious adverse effects with long-term health implications.

Interestingly, many of the bacteria residing in your mouth, which are eliminated by mouthwash, are beneficial bacteria akin to probiotics. These bacteria assist in functions such as blood pressure regulation and blood sugar maintenance. It has also been observed that using mouthwash immediately before exercising might nullify the health benefits of physical activity.

Fortunately, not all types of mouthwash seem to pose the same level of harm.

Beneficial Bacteria and Blood Pressure Regulation

A considerable number of bacteria present on your teeth and gums release substances that help keep your blood pressure in check.

In a three-year study conducted at Harvard involving over 500 individuals aged 40 to 65, investigating the use of mouthwash and the risk of high blood pressure, it was discovered that using mouthwash was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension.

The study revealed that individuals who used mouthwash twice daily had a higher risk of hypertension compared to those who used it less frequently. Moreover, those who used mouthwash twice a day had an 85% higher risk of developing high blood pressure than those who did not use mouthwash at all.1

Studies have established that the blood pressure-lowering effect is linked to the bacteria's role in nitric oxide production – a compound essential for proper artery function and blood pressure regulation.

Nitric oxide is a messenger molecule with various functions such as blood pressure regulation, immune cell effectiveness, inflammation control, and prevention of blood clots that could obstruct blood flow.2 Additionally, research suggests that regular use of mouthwash might elevate the risk of blood sugar irregularities and type-2 diabetes.3

Warning: Avoid Using Mouthwash Before Exercising

If you are a mouthwash user, one critical time to refrain from its use is before engaging in physical exercise. Several researchers now caution that using over-the-counter mouthwash before working out could negate some of the key health benefits associated with physical activity.

A study conducted at the University of Plymouth in England revealed that while exercise typically dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and offers other cardiovascular advantages, using an antibacterial mouthwash before running on a treadmill reduced the blood pressure-reducing effects of exercise by 60% within the first hour post-workout. Two hours after completing the treadmill session, the blood pressure benefits of exercise were entirely nullified.4

The Most Suitable Mouthwash Choices

If you wish to use mouthwash without compromising your health, researchers recommend adhering to a few guidelines:

• Avoid mouthwashes containing the antibacterial agent Triclosan. Triclosan can render pathogenic bacteria antibiotic-resistant, making it challenging to find effective treatment options when needed. Furthermore, Triclosan eliminates beneficial bacteria that contribute to health benefits like blood pressure regulation.
• Avoid mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine. Another antibacterial compound, chlorhexidine, eradicates beneficial oral bacteria and raises the acidity of saliva, increasing the likelihood of tooth damage.5 Alcohol-containing mouthwashes can also elevate saliva acidity and potentially harm teeth.

Instead, consider using a natural mouthwash containing ingredients such as:6

• Matcha: Research indicates that matcha can combat gum disease by reducing the number of bacteria harmful to gums.7
• Propolis: Propolis may aid in plaque control and lower the risk of gingivitis. Bees produce propolis in their hives, and it is reputed to possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Aloe vera and tea tree oil: This combination has been reported to reduce mouth acidity, supporting dental health, while also minimizing plaque and gingivitis.

Alternatively, you could opt for a povidone-iodine mouthwash or one containing essential oils, as recommended by researchers in Asia.8 Regardless of your choice, prioritizing dental health is crucial. Recent studies have linked poor dental hygiene to memory decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Summary

Although mouthwash is a common oral hygiene product, studies suggest that it could have detrimental effects on health by eliminating beneficial oral bacteria essential for blood pressure regulation, blood sugar control, and nitric oxide production. Evidence links frequent mouthwash usage to a heightened risk of hypertension and diminished cardiovascular benefits from exercise. To strike a balance, avoid mouthwashes with harmful ingredients like Triclosan and chlorhexidine, and consider natural alternatives containing matcha, propolis, aloe vera, or tea tree oil.

FAQs

• What is the connection between mouthwash and high blood pressure? Mouthwash eradicates beneficial oral bacteria responsible for nitric oxide production, a crucial element in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
• How does mouthwash impact the benefits of exercise? Using antibacterial mouthwash before physical activity diminishes nitric oxide production, reducing the blood pressure-lowering effects of exercise.
• Which ingredients should I steer clear of in mouthwash? Avoid mouthwashes containing Triclosan, chlorhexidine, and alcohol, as these substances can harm beneficial bacteria and potentially damage teeth.
• What are safer alternatives to traditional mouthwash? Natural options like matcha, propolis, aloe vera, and tea tree oil promote oral health without disrupting beneficial bacteria.
• Is brushing preferable to using mouthwash? Regularly brushing your teeth is a safer and more effective approach to maintaining oral health compared to frequent mouthwash use.