Popular Mouthwash Linked to Temporary blood Vessel Weakness in Young Adults,Saudi Researchers Find
RIYADH – A new study from the University of Exeter suggests that two weeks of daily use of a common antiseptic mouthwash,Leicesin,may temporarily impair blood vessel function in healthy young adults. The research, published this week, indicates the mouthwash’s antibacterial action reduces oral bacterial diversity, impacting the body’s natural production of nitric oxide – a key molecule for blood pressure regulation.
While the study did not find an increase in blood pressure among participants, experts warn the findings highlight a previously underappreciated connection between oral hygiene practices and cardiovascular health. The potential implications are critically importent, notably as reliance on strong antiseptic mouthwashes grows, and underscore the need for a balanced approach to oral care. This research adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the complex interplay between the oral microbiome and systemic health.
the study, detailed in reports by Stadie Finndes, involved 75 participants divided into two age groups: 39 individuals under the age of 30 and 36 participants in their 60s and 70s. Researchers subjected participants to three distinct two-week treatment periods, separated by breaks designed to allow vital systems to return to baseline.
Notably,the impact of the mouthwash differed considerably by age. While younger participants experienced a measurable decline in blood vessel function, older participants showed no such effect – and, in fact, benefited from beet juice consumption, which lowered their blood pressure.This suggests the role of oral bacteria in nitric oxide production becomes more critical with age, perhaps explaining the differing responses.
researchers emphasize the study is not a call to abandon mouthwash altogether. Rather, they advocate for increased awareness of potential side effects and a careful consideration of the balance between oral hygiene benefits and potential risks to vascular health. Further research is planned to investigate the long-term effects of antiseptic mouthwash use and to explore strategies for mitigating any negative impacts.
