One mistake that people often make is believing that oral health has limited effects on our bodies, not extending past the mouth to the rest of the body’s organs and systems.
This is a big problem because often the #1 indicator of problems in the body is disease in the mouth. You can think of the mouth as a window into the health of the whole body.
Generally speaking, the health of someone’s mouth is in direct correlation with their systemic health. The body, after all, is a closed system, all interconnected and interlinked.
We like to keep our mouth feeling fresh and clean. So, use of mouthwash twice per day has become a part of our oral hygiene routine.
But according to new research, this seemingly beneficial practice may pose a surprising health risk: Mouthwash use could increase our risk for diabetes.
These findings persisted after accounting for a number of possible confounding factors, including diet, oral hygiene, sleep disorders, medication use, fasting glucose levels, income, and education levels.
Many mouthwashes, as well as some antiseptic/antigingivitis toothpastes, contain antibacterial compounds—such as chlorhexidine or alcohol—that kill bacteria in order to help prevent gingivitis, tooth decay, and other oral health conditions.
However, researchers suspect that these compounds also destroy “good” bacteria in the mouth that are important for the formation of nitric oxide, which is a chemical compound that helps to regulate insulin—the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Therefore, the destruction of this beneficial bacteria could encourage the development of diabetes. [1]
Please do not stop brushing, flossing your teeth, or rinsing your mouth!
Use natural products that keep your oral bacteria in check and don’t contain any antiseptic chemicals or alcohol. Use herbal products, that do not cause bacterial imbalance in your mouth. [2]
Certain probiotic bacteria help eliminate bad breath and defend teeth and gums. In addition, maintaining oral and dental health is important for the health of other body systems and organs, such as the cardiovascular system and ears, nose, and throat.
Talking about antiseptic or antibacterial soaps — FDA recently issued a warning regarding their potential negative effects on your health. [3]
For more information on healthy living, please schedule an appointment with your holistic dentist or Dr. Koganski at 215-750-7000 or www.NewtownInternalMedicine.com
References:
[1] Kaumudi J.Joshipura, et al. Over-the-counter mouthwash use and risk of pre- diabetes/diabetes.Nitric OxideVolume 71, 1 December 2017. doi.org/10.1016/j.niox.2017.09.004.
[2] Haffajee AD, et al. Effect of herbal, essential oil, and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on the composition of the subgingival microbiota and clinical periodontal parameters. J Clin Dent. 2009;20(7):211-7.
[3] www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm378393.htm.
Tags:
antiseptic
antibacterial
chlorhexidine
mouthwash
diabetes
