A recent study points to certain mouthwashes that could be very harmful to the oral microbiota. They even pose a risk of cancer. We tell you everything.
Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after brushing your teeth is not necessarily a good thing to do. Worse still, mouthwashes could be dangerous for your health since they damage the oral microbiota because the mouth also has its own microbiota in addition to the stomach, vagina and skin. In fact, the mouth houses all a community of bacteria and other microorganisms “beneficent” for oral health.
Result, like each microbiota, its balance is essential and disturb him is not a good idea, as it risks increasing the risk of developing oral diseases such as canker sores, mycoses, gingivitis or even periodontitis. And the use of mouthwash can therefore disrupt this balance of oral microbiota.
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This mouthwash can be bad for your health
In a recent scientific study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, researchers warn about the daily use of certain mouthwashes, particularly alcohol-based. And one in particular was cited, it is Listerine Cool Mint, antiseptic mouthwash. But what’s the problem with this mouthwash?
The researchers’ conclusions are that the mouthwash results in a significant change in the composition and abundance of bacteria in the oral or oropharyngeal microbiota in participants who used this mouthwash every day. Specifically, researchers found that two species of opportunistic bacteria are more abundant in the mouth, namely Fusobacterium nucleatum et Streptococcus anginosus.
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Alarming results
Bacteria which are associated with several diseases including gingivitis or periodontitis. But also other more serious diseases such as esophageal and colorectal cancers. In addition to the presence of these harmful bacteria, researchers also discovered a decrease in a group of bacteria, namely Actinobacteria which are nevertheless essential for the regulation of blood pressure. The authors of the study therefore warned about the daily use of mouthwashes. Researchers invite users to be “aware of the potential implications”, and believe that long-term use “should be guided by health professionals”.
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However, the researchers point out that other data are not taken into account, such as smoking, or certain dietary habits which nevertheless play a role in the diversity of the oral microbiota. Furthermore, this study was conducted as part of an analysis of reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men. “Almost half of men who have sex with men say they use mouthwashes for their oral hygiene. This study [indique] that this probably a harmful effect on their oral microbiomes”, indicates Professor Chris Kenyon, co-author of the study, in a press release.
Passionate about women’s news, Agathe has been deciphering the latest trends for aufeminin since 2022. Her favorite areas? Psychology, nutrition and well-being advice, without forgetting the tips…
