The Hidden Risks of Mouthwash: Chronic Disease Connections
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Understanding the Concerns of Mouthwash Usage
In recent times, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, many individuals have increased their mouthwash consumption. Major brands have been promoting their products with claims that mouthwash can eliminate the coronavirus. According to a Wall Street Journal article, these companies assert that "mouthwashes dissolve the outer protective layer of virus particles, preventing them from attaching to cells."
While this assertion has some merit, it is crucial to consider the potential risks associated with mouthwash usage, particularly its connection to chronic diseases, which will be discussed further in this article.
Before proceeding, it's important to note that I am a nutritionist, not a medical professional. I do not diagnose, treat, or manage any medical conditions. Your health should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
The Core Issue
Mouthwash can effectively eliminate harmful microbes in our mouths; however, it also eradicates beneficial oral bacteria that play a vital role in our immune system. These symbiotic bacteria, residing in the grooves of our tongues, convert dietary nitrates from vegetables like leafy greens and beets into nitrites, which are essential for producing nitric oxide in our bodies.
Human cells lack the ability to convert nitrate into nitrite. Remarkably, some of the unprocessed nitrates we consume are returned to our mouths through saliva, allowing our oral bacteria another chance to facilitate this conversion. Nitric oxide possesses both antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it an essential tool for our bodies to combat harmful microbes, including the virus responsible for Covid-19.
Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden state that nitric oxide is "the only substance shown so far to have a direct effect on SARS-CoV-2." However, using mouthwash could hinder our capacity to produce nitric oxide, potentially increasing the risk of Covid-19.
Another pathway for nitric oxide synthesis involves a group of enzymes known as nitric oxide synthases, which convert the amino acid arginine into citrulline while generating nitric oxide. Unfortunately, as we age, our ability to derive nitric oxide from arginine diminishes, making us increasingly dependent on our oral bacteria.
The Role of Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide, a gas with a short half-life of less than a second, poses challenges for research. Nevertheless, it has been extensively studied over the past three decades, earning the title of "Molecule of the Year" in 1992 and even garnering a Nobel Prize.
Nitric oxide plays numerous crucial roles in biological functions, including:
- Facilitating oxygen delivery to tissues—oxygen cannot exit hemoglobin without it.
- Relaxing and expanding blood vessels, enhancing oxygen and nutrient flow to tissues, such as the brain.
- Supporting memory and learning processes.
- Serving as a vascular signaling molecule for cell communication.
- Acting as a neurotransmitter for signaling between nerves and muscles.
- Assisting in fighting infections.
Low levels of nitric oxide are associated with various health conditions:
High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease
Nitric oxide production significantly influences blood pressure regulation. Studies indicate a link between mouthwash use and an increased risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for mortality. A placebo-controlled study involving healthy adults suggested that individuals using mouthwash experienced minimal exercise benefits for blood pressure control, leading researchers to conclude that "oral bacteria act as the 'key' to dilating blood vessels. Without them, nitrites cannot be produced, and blood vessels remain constricted." Insufficient nitric oxide can lead to coronary artery constriction during physical exertion or stress, heightening the risk of heart attacks in individuals with coronary artery disease.
Diabetes
The production of nitric oxide is severely impaired in individuals with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Research involving overweight adults revealed a significantly higher risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes among frequent mouthwash users compared to those who used it less often.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Degenerative Conditions
Researchers posit that "nitric oxide may play a significant role in treating age-related degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease."
Reproductive Health and Sexual Dysfunction
Reduced levels of nitric oxide are observed in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and a deficiency in nitric oxide activity has been linked to erectile dysfunction. Thus, nitric oxide is essential for various aspects of reproductive health.
Increasing Nitrite-Producing Bacteria
To enhance the presence of nitrite-producing bacteria in your mouth, consider the following:
- Discontinue the use of antiseptic mouthwash.
- Increase your intake of leafy greens, beets, and other vegetables.
For further insights on boosting nitric oxide levels, refer to my article: 7 Tips That May Reduce Blood Pressure — Based on Science.
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Chapter 1: The Dangers of Mouthwash
The first video discusses how daily mouthwash use may lead to an increase in bacteria associated with cancer.
Chapter 2: Exploring the Risks of Mouthwash
The second video examines the unexpected dangers linked to mouthwash usage.