A meta analysis of several research studies conducted to examine the relationship between mouthwash and blood pressure has revealed that regular use of antiseptic mouthwash may increase the risk of high blood pressure.
According to the research study, mouthwash destroys beneficial bacteria on the tongue and gums that help produce nitric oxide. A reduction in nitric oxide affects the relaxation of blood vessels, making it difficult to maintain normal blood pressure.
Researchers say that the impact of frequent mouthwash use on blood pressure regulation occurs because mouthwash eliminates beneficial bacteria that help convert dietary nitrates into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and helps keep blood pressure within a normal range.
The researchers analyzed nine different studies involving 6,384 adults aged between 40 and 60 years. The results showed that people who regularly used mouthwash had a slightly but statistically significant higher risk of high blood pressure. The association was strong enough to be documented, with the primary reason being reduced nitric oxide due to the loss of beneficial oral bacteria. Using mouthwash two or more times a day continuously was found to be the most risky.
A previous study had also found a link between regular mouthwash use and early signs of diabetes, and the new findings confirm that antiseptic mouthwash can affect the heart and blood vessels through nitric oxide pathways.
Experts say that occasional use of mouthwash is not harmful, but using it two or more times daily on a continuous basis, especially over several years, may affect normal blood pressure regulation.
