Mouthwash Can Raise Your Blood Sugar Levels

Good oral hygiene keeps your gums healthy and prevents dental issues. Your mouth can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria if you don't take care of it, which can cause problems like cavities, mouth sores, and bleeding gums. Dentists often stress how crucial it is to maintain good oral health. This involves brushing your teeth cleaning between your gums with floss, and sometimes using mouthwash to freshen your breath. Most homes have common dental care items you can buy at the store. But new studies have uncovered some interesting findings about how mouthwash might affect conditions like diabetes.

Research showing broader health implications of regular mouthwash use

A study published in Nitric Oxide has now found a potential link between mouthwash use and an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Mouthwash use was examined for its associations with a number of health outcomes, including excess weight, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Researchers carried out this study in Puerto Rico three years ago. They followed 1,206 overweight people between 40 and 65 years old. For three years, they kept track of how these people took care of their teeth focusing on their use of mouthwash. The results showed that people who used mouthwash might have a 55% higher risk of developing diabetes. The primary concern highlighted by the study is that mouthwash kills bacteria in the mouth indiscriminately, including beneficial bacteria that play a critical role in metabolic health.

 The beneficial bacteria in the mouth are involved in producing nitric oxide, a compound that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. When mouthwash eradicates these good bacteria, it disrupts the production of nitric oxide, leading to impaired blood sugar regulation and increased insulin resistance. This disruption creates a pathway for elevated blood sugar levels, thereby heightening the risk of diabetes. Research indicates mouthwash has a negative impact on different types of oral bacteria, including the good ones that play a key role in stopping tooth problems and helping digest food. his can also raise your chances of developing Diabetes. Overusing mouthwash, however, seems to put individuals at an even greater risk of having or experiencing heart diseases and dental issues. It is thus prudent to consult a dentist before starting to use any mouth rinsing product.

More recent research conducted at Harvard University reported similar supporting evidence. According to this study, the regular use of antibacterial mouthwash can result in the imbalance of an oral microbiome, thus disturbing the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. The findings indicate that oral beneficial bacteria, through the process of reducing nitrate into nitric oxide, take part in the regulation of levels of blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, mouthwash disrupts this process and gives way to higher blood sugar levels, thus increasing insulin resistance, hence a warning for frequent use of antibacterial mouthwash products. It is an area in which emerging evidence emphasizes the need to consider broader health implications of seemingly routine oral hygiene practices.

Want to know more about how to keep your mouth healthy, and the potential dangers of mouthwash? Read our full guide on taking care of your teeth and gums. Be aware that the care of teeth is not only for a fine smile but is also related to general health. Keep abreast, seek expert advice, and be smart when choosing products for the mouth to help in keeping healthier in the long run.

Source: Nitric Oxide