Commonly used alcohol-based mouthwashes can affect both harmful and beneficial bacteria, impacting oral, gut and overall health.
Alcohol is a common ingredient in mouthwashes because of its antibacterial properties.
Alcohol-based mouthwashes may reduce bacteria and plaque buildup that contribute to cavities, gum disease and poor oral health.
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But if an alcohol-based mouthwash is part of your daily habits, you may want to reconsider it.
The mouth is home to diverse communities of bacteria that are essential for supporting health.
Research shows increases inF.
anginosusbacteria with daily use of alcohol-based mouthwash for three months.
These bacteria are associated with microbiome imbalances.
F. nucleatumattaches to other microorganisms in the mouth to create dental plaque, contributing to gum disease.
According to some research, there may be a link between a specific subtype ofF.
This subtype, calledF.
Also, it produces compounds that create an environment ripe for tumor growth.
S. anginosusinfluences bacterial composition, affecting cancer and heart disease risk.S.
anginosusand coronary atherosclerosis and systemic inflammation.
Our understanding of how oral health influencesgut and overall healthis evolving.
Interactions between the oral microbiome and your immune system may significantly affect overall health.
Certain oral bacteria have been shown to trigger an immune response implicated in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Maintaininggood oral healthremains a cornerstone of microbiome and overall health.
Oral and gut microbiomes may be connected instead of being two separate microbial communities.
Flossing and brushing your teeth after meals and getting regular dental checkups support oral and overall health.
Are There Alternatives to Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes?
Natural mouthwashes include salt washes, baking soda rinses and plant extracts.
Research on the effectiveness of these natural mouthwashes has been inconclusive.
Still, these alternatives may help manage plaque and provide antimicrobial properties.
Saltwater and baking soda rinses may reduce oral bacteria.
Still, randomized controlled trials found no effects on bacterial populations.
Charcoal may enhance enamel whitening but does not appear to influence bacteria growth.
it’s possible for you to support a healthy gut with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
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