Mouthwash Can Raise Your Blood Sugar Levels

Oral hygiene is necessary to maintain healthy gums and prevent dental problems. The oral cavity can act as a gateway to many harmful bacteria if proper care is not taken. Dentists recommend good oral health to avoid dental issues such as cavities, mouth ulcers and bleeding gums. A normal oral care regime includes brushing the teeth, flossing in between the gums and sometimes using a mouthwash to maintain fresh breath. Dental care products are available over-the-counter and are frequently used in every household. However, mouthwashes kill certain bacteria in the mouth and the impact of such products on diseases such as Diabetes has been recently studied.

A recent study published in the journal Nitric Oxide has shown that using over-the-counter mouthwash can increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. The three-year study conducted in Puerto Rico tried to understand the link between mouthwash and metabolic risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and Diabetes. The study was conducted on a group of 1206 people between the age of 40 and 65 and who are obese or overweight. Their dental hygiene routine with regards to the use of mouthwash was followed for three years. The study concluded that frequent use of mouthwash increases the risk of prediabetes or Diabetes by 55 per cent.

The study explains that over-the-counter mouthwash affects a range of oral bacteria. This leads to the killing of good bacteria which are responsible for preventing dental problems and processing food. This killing of good bacteria could also have heightened the risk of Diabetes. Participants using mouthwash were also found at risk of developing heart disease and tooth diseases. It is recommended to consult your dentist before using any oral hygiene products.

Source: Nitric Oxide