❤️ Is your mouthwash harming your heart?

Last week, our podcast hit 100,000 downloads which is a wonderful milestone and a testament to the growing interest in functional dentistry. Thank you everyone for your listenership and submitting your questions. If you’re not subscribed to the podcast, you can do so here: askthedentist.com/podcast

Today, I would like to talk about the relationship between mouthwash and high blood pressure. This topic has been a subject of debate among dentists, but the most recent data supports our concerns that using mouthwash can lead to high blood pressure.

At least two studies have confirmed this hypothesis. This study is a systematic review which found that mouthwash use was associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. This second study, suggests that frequent regular use of over-the-counter mouthwash may increase the risk of hypertension, independent of major risk factors for hypertension.

It’s pretty clear that a mouthwash that has “disinfection” in mind will have a deleterious effect on the oral microbiome, which leads in turn to high blood pressure.

So, if mouthwash increases blood pressure, the next thing you want to know is, can the inverse be proven as well?

If we support the NO pathway on the tongue, can we lower blood pressure?

The answer is YES. This study, published in 2019, found that practicing biofilm management on the back of the tongue through tongue scraping can lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

This study supports the same conclusion that using mouthwash is harmful and NO-producing bacteria on the back of the tongue affect blood pressure.

It’s important to note that there is a disconnect between current research and the dental curriculum. Many dentists may still be unaware of the potential harmful effects of mouthwash on blood pressure. It’s crucial to have open and honest discussions with your dentist and physician about your oral health and overall health.

Instead of immediately turning to medications for high blood pressure, it’s important to consider the role of oral microbiome symbiosis or dysbiosis in the management of high blood pressure. Practicing biofilm management on the back of the tongue and eating the right foods can be a proactive way to manage high blood pressure and improve oral health.

So, next time you visit your dentist or doctor, make sure to discuss the role of oral health in your overall health and any potential risks associated with using mouthwash. And don’t forget to share this newsletter with your dentist and friends to spread awareness about this important topic.

✨ 🎧 Want to learn more? Check out this brand new podcast episode I did with Bethany Cameron’s Digest This. You’ll be hooked from the first few seconds—her team did a fabulous job editing and it was a pleasure to be on the show.

Thank you for reading and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

P.S. A great free resource on my website is this CRP Letter which is an example of helping your dentist and your physician collaborate on oral-systemic concerns for your health.