Many people use mouthwash every day against bad breath, and a claim on social media says regular use can raise blood pressure. According to Sangbad Pratidin, researchers say there is a link but it is not that simple: the concern is frequent use of mouthwash with strong antibacterial ingredients.
Dr Joyce Oen-Hsiao, associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at the Yale School of Medicine in the United States, said research has shown systolic blood pressure rising after three consecutive days of antibacterial mouthwash. Such mouthwashes are stronger than cosmetic ones, and the rise was seen with use twice a day or more.
The concern comes from beneficial bacteria in the mouth. They convert nitrate from food into nitrite, which later becomes nitric oxide in the stomach and can help lower blood pressure. Strong mouthwashes kill these bacteria too.
On the other hand, a 2023 study found that about 19 years of mouthwash use had no effect on the risk of death from heart disease.
Experts' advice is that there is no need to worry about mouthwash raising blood pressure, but overuse may cause problems. Once a day is enough; anyone who needs to use it more than twice a day for medical reasons should consult a doctor.
Source: Sangbad Pratidin
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