This popular mouthwash actually harms your gut
Why mouthwash is harmful (photo: Freepik)
Mouthwashes often contain alcohol, which can be harmful to health. They destroy good bacteria and lead to inflammation in the body, reports Eating well.
What are the harms of mouthwash
Alcohol mouthwashes are designed to kill oral pathogens, but they can also affect beneficial bacteria.
Alcohol kills both "good" and "bad" bacteria. Many mouthwashes have an alcohol concentration of 5% to 27%. They can disrupt the oral microbiome, potentially increasing bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus, which are linked to gum disease and certain types of cancer.
Nutritionist Angela Conegni said that if bacteria get into the gut, they can disrupt the balance of the intestinal microbiota and contribute to inflammation.
When you drink alcohol, your body converts it into the compound acetaldehyde, which is classified as a carcinogen. Some of the alcohol you consume is broken down in the liver, and some is metabolized in the mouth.
How oral health affects your overall health
Maintaining good oral health helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease and contributes to overall health. Research shows a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Good oral health, such as strong teeth and no gum disease, allows you to eat a wider variety of foods.
Flossing and brushing after meals and regular dental checkups keep your mouth and overall health in good condition.
Other tips for maintaining a healthy gut
You can maintain a healthy gut by changing your diet and lifestyle:
- Improve your fiber intake: it acts as food for the "good" bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome
- Include more fermented foods: yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha contain probiotics, compounds that support gut health
- Exercise regularly: exercise affects immune responses, which can also positively change the gut microbiome
- Limit alcohol consumption: it reduces the number of beneficial bacteria and leads to inflammation
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.
