Is your mouthwash safe? Study links it to hypertension and stroke risk
What is the danger of mouthwash (photo: magnific)
Regular use of antiseptic mouthwashes may trigger systemic hypertension by destroying the beneficial microbiome. Hygiene habits that seem normal to us, without medical supervision, can disrupt the function of blood vessels and the heart.
Why mouthwashes may be harmful is explained by biologist and nutritionist Snizhana Voroshylova.
What studies have shown
Nitric oxide (NO) was previously considered a toxic gas, but after research into its real role, scientists received the Nobel Prize. It turned out that this molecule is a key regulator that dilates blood vessels and helps maintain normal blood pressure.
The main sensation is that this gas of life is produced by bacteria in our mouths. They convert nitrates from food into beneficial compounds that support the health of the entire cardiovascular system.
Antiseptics destroy necessary bacteria
When we use strong mouthwashes, we are not just cleaning teeth — we are literally sterilizing the oral cavity. The problem is that selective antiseptics do not exist. They destroy both harmful plaque and essential beneficial bacteria.
A 2020 study confirmed that frequent use of over-the-counter products is directly linked to the risk of developing hypertension. Chlorhexidine, for example, can destroy up to 94% of bacteria responsible for stable blood pressure.
Pay attention to ingredients
Experts urge treating antiseptic mouthwashes like serious medications, similar to antibiotics. They should not be used continuously “for freshness” but only on a doctor’s prescription in short courses.
Even natural ingredients such as essential oils or colloidal silver can be harmful if used daily. Disrupting the natural ecosystem of the mouth makes the body vulnerable to external threats.
Ingredients in mouthwashes that should raise concern:
- Chlorhexidine (0.12%): a powerful antiseptic that blocks nitric oxide production
- Cetylpyridinium chloride: an aggressive compound that affects microbiome stability
- Essential oils and tea tree oil: non-selective components that suppress beneficial flora
- Colloidal silver and eugenol: substances requiring strict dosage and control
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
