Mouthwash can interfere with the body’s nitric oxide production, essential for lowering blood pressure post-exercise.
Who doesn’t appreciate that fresh minty flavor? After a date or any special occasion, many people reach for mouthwash to keep their breath pleasant. But it turns out, using mouthwash regularly might be doing more harm than you think.
Dentist recommends putting away the mouthwash
Dr. Miles Madison, a dentist from California, recently shared insights on Instagram. He pointed out that using mouthwash can be likened to ‘carpet-bombing’ all types of bacteria in your mouth, including the beneficial ones.
“Many alcohol-based antiseptic mouthwashes kill not just bad bacteria but also good ones,” he explained. These beneficial bacteria are vital for producing a crucial molecule called nitric oxide, which our bodies need.
According to the National Library of Medicine, nitric oxide plays several essential roles, such as helping blood vessels to dilate and maintaining barrier functions in cells. So, if mouthwash wipes out both good and bad bacteria, it might hinder your body’s production of nitric oxide. “That’s why I don’t recommend daily use of these mouthwashes. Occasionally is fine, but daily use? Definitely a no,” Dr. Madison added in his video.
When someone asked him if alcohol-free mouthwashes are a better option, he noted, “It varies. Some alcohol-free versions have high essential oils that can also harm good bacteria.”
Mouthwash also affects the results of your workout
Exercise is known to help lower blood pressure, but using antibacterial mouthwash right after might negate that benefit. A study showed that oral bacteria significantly contribute to this effect. When we work out, our bodies generate nitric oxide, helping to open blood vessels. After exercising, nitric oxide converts into nitrate, which oral bacteria then turn into nitrite—a compound essential for keeping blood vessels open. However, using mouthwash disrupts this process, preventing blood pressure from dropping as much as it should. This emphasizes the importance of oral bacteria in maintaining lower blood pressure post-exercise.
