Mouthwash is a common part of many people’s daily routine. It freshens breath, kills bacteria, and helps prevent gum disease. But new research suggests that it might also have an unexpected effect on blood pressure.
Blood pressure is a key measure of health. High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. While diet, exercise, and stress levels are well-known factors, scientists are now looking at how the bacteria in our mouths might also play a role.
The human body is full of microorganisms, including bacteria that live in the mouth. Some of these bacteria help convert nitrates from food (such as leafy greens and beets) into nitrites, which the body then turns into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important because it helps relax blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
Mouthwash, however, doesn’t just kill harmful bacteria—it also eliminates the beneficial ones that assist in this process. Researchers have found that using mouthwash regularly may interfere with the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide, potentially leading to higher blood pressure.
A study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that people who used mouthwash twice a day experienced an increase in blood pressure within just one week. Another study, published in the Journal of Blood Pressure, found that long-term use of mouthwash was linked to higher blood pressure levels over time.
These findings don’t mean that mouthwash is harmful or that people should stop using it altogether. Oral hygiene remains essential for overall health. However, the research suggests that frequent mouthwash use could have unintended consequences, particularly for people at risk of high blood pressure.
Experts recommend a balanced approach. Instead of using mouthwash daily as a habit, it might be better to use it occasionally or under the guidance of a dentist. Brushing and flossing remain the most important parts of oral care, and natural mouth rinses like salt water could be a gentler alternative for some people.
In the end, this research reminds us that everything in our bodies is connected. Small choices, like how often we use mouthwash, can have effects beyond what we might expect. So next time you reach for that bottle, you might consider not just your breath, but also your heart health.
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