The shocking harm of commonly used mouthwash

Using too much mouthwash may affect your heart health. A British media reported that a new study from Queen Mary University of London found that frequent use of mouthwash can have disastrous consequences on health and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

In the new study, Dr. Amrita Ahluwalia and colleagues had 19 healthy participants use the mouthwash Corsodyl twice a day. The results showed that a few hours after gargling, the participants' blood pressure increased significantly by 2 to 3.5 mmHg. Chlorhexidine contains 0.2% of the antiseptic chlorhexidine. The content of this substance in other antiseptic mouthwashes is basically the same. Chlorhexidine also kills some "beneficial bacteria" that can produce a small amount of nitrite, which plays an important role in vasodilation. A small amount of nitrite can protect the heart and have a positive impact on human health. Regular use of sterile mouthwash can reduce nitrite levels in the mouth by 90% and nitrite levels in the blood by 25%.

Dr. Ahluwalia analyzed that although mouthwash has a small effect on blood pressure, it will have a significant impact on the mortality and disability rates of heart disease and stroke. Independent studies have shown that a two-point increase in blood pressure is associated with a 7% higher risk of death from heart disease and a 10% higher risk of death from stroke.