He mouthwash It’s part of many people’s oral hygiene routine: brushing, flossing, and rinsing are three of the most important allies. However, according to a recently published study by scientists from Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine, it may be advisable to use certain types of mouth rinses only with a prescription and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Especially those that contain alcohol in the formula.
The reason is that they radically change composition of the oral microbiota, an increase in the number of certain types of dangerous bacteria and a decrease in the number of beneficial ones. This study was conducted using a special mouthwash: Listerine Cool Mint.
This is one of the most famous brands you can buy. in any supermarket. The range in question is used by many people. Therefore, based on these results, it will be necessary to control who uses it. It’s not about stopping using it, but doing so with a little more control.
The study that launched another
In fact, the authors of this study began it with a different purpose. Their intention was to test whether using mouthwash could affect the spread of infection. sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with other men.
However, using oropharyngeal samples participants, we also decided to check how this changes mouthwash microbiota. Bacteria living in our bodies, both in the mouth and on the skin, in the digestive system and in many other parts of the body, are essential for our survival. In the case of the oral microbiota, microorganisms help us digest food and also serve as first protective barrier against dangerous microorganisms. You always need to maintain balance. There are some components of the microbiota that can cause harm if the environment becomes favorable for them or if their population increases. These are so-called opportunistic bacteria. On the other hand, there are other microorganisms that are very beneficial. For us to have good health, there must be more of the latter than the former.
These scientists believed that the use alcohol for mouthwash may affect said microbiota. After all, this ingredient is an excellent antiseptic that helps prevent infections in the mouth, but can also kill bacteria that are good for us.
Be careful with mouthwash
When analyzing oropharyngeal samples from study participants, their suspicions were confirmed. Those who used alcohol-based mouthwash, especially those mentioned above, experienced a dangerous imbalance in their microbiota.
On the one hand, the population of two types of opportunistic bacteria has greatly increased: Fusobacterium nucleatum And Streptococcus angina. As good opportunists, both are associated with various pathologies, especially gum diseases. But also for some types of cancer, such as colorectal and esophageal.
On the other hand, it was clear that actinobacteria populationthe presence of which is associated with blood pressure control.
The study has limitations
The study authors believe that their results are sufficient for alcohol-based mouthwashes to be used only under professional supervision. However, they also acknowledge that the study several restrictions. On the one hand, given that the samples and participants were selected for a different purpose, factors that could influence the microbiota, such as diet or smoking. And, on the other hand, the sample of participants is not large enough and not representative of the entire population.
They should expand the study to confirm their results. But just in case, you shouldn’t overuse alcohol mouthwash. In any case, if you have any doubts, always contact your dentist.
Source: Hiper Textual
