Our mouths normally house a significantly diverse microbiota composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa [1]. The different regions of the oral cavity (such as the tongue, cheeks, lips, gums, palates, and teeth) serve as habitats for different microbial communities [2]. While there is a degree of uniqueness to the microbial population of different folks’ mouths, a normal and healthy “core microbiome” has been identified [3]. Accordingly, the transition from oral health to oral disease is more an issue of disrupted balance among the microbes in the mouth, rather than the simple presence of individual pathogens [4]. And factors such as nutrition, pH, toxins, shear forces, and competency of the immune system all shape the composition and activity of the mouth’s microbiota [5].
So, the main problem with conventional mouthwashes is their indiscriminate killing of microorganisms and their disruption of the mouth’s acid-alkaline balance. But let’s quickly look at a few other problems with conventional mouthwashes so that we can more fully understand why we’d want to avoid their use. Some mouthwashes like Peridex, Periogard, Corsodyl, and Oradex contain the antiseptic compound chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine use can lead to an increase in blood pressure by preventing the normal conversion of nitrate to nitrite by oral bacteria (nitrite can serve as a precursor to the vasodilator nitric oxide) [6]. Though mouthwashes that do not contain chlorhexidine can have the same negative effect on blood pressure. Mouthwashes containing either stannous fluoride (tin difluoride) or chlorhexidine have been shown to stain the teeth [7]. Other side effects that have been seen with the use of chlorhexidine include loss of taste, xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome, increased tartar formation (tartar is basically calcified dental plaque), and discoloration of the tongue [8] [9] [10]. Chlorohexidine can also damage the DNA of leukocytes (white blood cells) and cells of the oral mucosa [11]. Moving on, mouthwashes containing hexetidine or acidified sodium chlorite have been shown to erode tooth enamel, but the same effect can also be applied to mouthwashes that do not contain either of the above, but do present an acidic pH to the mouth, such as Listerine, Crest, and Scope [12]. Next, alcohol-containing mouthwashes like Listerine and Scope can damage gingival fibroblasts via acetaldehyde’s direct toxicity (oral bacteria can convert ethanol from alcohol-containing mouthwashes to acetaldehyde) [13]. Gingival fibroblasts help repair and resolve inflammation in periodontal tissues [14]. Evidence also exists for an increased risk of oral cancer with the use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes (largely due to acetaldehyde production, but the low pH score of such products may also play a role) [15] [16] [17]. Looking at other common ingredients in conventional mouthwashes, polysorbate 80 (or Tween 80) is capable of opening up the blood-brain barrier, and as a side note, its presence in vaccines helps to deliver toxic aluminum directly to brain tissue [18] [19]. Polysorbate 80 has been seen to confer a negative impact on fertility in rats and lower the number of protective T cells in human infants [20] [21] [22]. Polysorbate 80 has also been described as a hidden “inducer of anaphylactoid reactions,” for anaphylaxis has been reported after its administration via an IV (granted, this level of a response would likely be infrequent but it’s worth mentioning) [23]. Sodium saccharin is another common ingredient in conventional mouthwashes, and this artificial sweetener has been reported to damage DNA in bone marrow and promote the development of urinary bladder cancer [24] [25] [26]. So, instead of using a conventional mouthwash you may want to consider making your own or using a natural mouthwash. A homemade mouthwash can be crafted very simply with water, baking soda, and sea salt, but a drop of clove, cinnamon, or peppermint essential oil could also be added for some gentle antimicrobial action. Alternatively, a good, natural mouthwash can be found here: https://oralessentials.com/products/oral-essentials-bad-breath-mouthwash Have a lovely rest of your week, and as always, you stay classy San Diego. References:
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorDenton Coleman is an Exercise Physiologist and Medical Researcher. Archives
October 2023
Categories |