A renowned cardiologist warns against the use of alcohol-based mouthwash, after including it in his list of things to avoid to maintain his health, due to its potential effect on blood pressure.
Dr. Jeremy London, a certified cardiovascular surgeon, explained that his avoidance of mouthwash is part of a list of habits and products he avoids to maintain his health, which includes smoking, vaping, alcohol, soft drinks, and ultra-processed foods.
London said in a video posted on his social media accounts titled "Stop using mouthwash": "As a heart surgeon, I avoid this completely for two reasons. First, the mouth, like the rest of the digestive system, contains beneficial bacteria, and eliminating them harms the balance of the oral environment."
He added: "The second reason is that there is an interaction between these bacteria and blood pressure, as getting rid of them may lead to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks."
The doctor explained that beneficial bacteria in the mouth help the body produce nitric oxide, which contributes to the dilation of blood vessels and maintaining blood pressure within normal levels, noting that antibacterial mouthwashes may hinder this process by eliminating those bacteria.
He pointed out that the effect of mouthwash may be more significant in people prone to high blood pressure, explaining that eliminating beneficial oral bacteria may lead to changes that affect cardiovascular health.
Some studies have supported this claim, as a study published in the journal "Blood Pressure" found a link between regular and frequent use of over-the-counter mouthwash and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, after analyzing data from more than a thousand people taking into account multiple risk factors.
Another study also stated that the disruption of the bacterial balance in the mouth resulting from the use of mouthwash may lead to a decrease in nitric oxide production, which may negatively affect blood pressure.
For her part, dentist Camille Hoss warned against excessive oral hygiene, noting that some people overuse strong mouthwashes, which can disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome.
She added that using antiseptic products that eliminate most bacteria may have the opposite effect, calling for a reconsideration of how oral health is handled and for consultation with a dentist.
