Using mouthwashes, especially those containing the antiseptic chlorhexidine, can increase your blood pressure. British dentist Zoe Brooks from the University of Plymouth talks about this said Daily mail.
Using mouthwash is part of the daily teeth cleaning process for many people, the doctor said. This medicine is mainly used to freshen breath and prevent tooth decay. However, some studies have shown that their use is associated with an increased risk of hypertension.
The dentist explained that the reason for this negative effect on health may be the bactericidal properties of mouthwash. The truth is that many of these (especially products containing chlorhexidine) affect the composition of the oral microbiome. The microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that live in the human oral cavity. Mouthwash can destroy not only the bacteria that cause tooth decay, but also the beneficial bacteria that are responsible for protecting the body from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Brooks explained that the surface of the human tongue is inhabited by bacteria that convert nitrates (salts of nitric acid) in food into nitrites (the fully oxidized form of nitrogen). Nitrite is then converted to nitric oxide in the intestines. It has the ability to effectively relax blood vessels, thus maintaining blood pressure at normal levels.
Excessive use of mouthwashes (using two to three times a day) can lead to a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria that play a role in controlling blood pressure. People with high or unstable blood pressure should use such medications with caution.
Previously recognizedWhy can beetroot juice replace mouthwash?
What are you thinking?
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.