Beware Of Mouthwash Use, It Can Raise Diabetes Risk

You might think that using mouthwash is one of the best way to get rid of bad mouth odour, but we do not think about its consequences. Do we?

Well, if you are one who uses mouthwash regularly then you need to think twice before using. As regular use of mouthwash increases the risk of developing diabetes, according to a new study.

During the study, researchers at the Harvard University in the US found that swilling with anti-bacterial fluid could be killing helpful microbes which live in the mouth and protect against obesity and diabetes.

The researchers found that people who used mouthwash twice a day were around 55 per cent more likely to develop diabetes or dangerous blood sugar spikes, within three years.

"Most of these antibacterial ingredients in mouthwash are not selective," said Kaumudi Joshipura, professor at Harvard School of Public Health.

"In other words, they do not target specific oral bacteria - instead, these ingredients can act on a broad range of bacteria," Joshipura added.

For the study, the researchers had taken into consideration about 1,206 overweight people aged between 40 and 65 who were deemed at risk of getting diabetes.

Over the study period around 17 per cent of people developed diabetes or pre-diabetes, but that rose to 20 per cent for those using mouthwash once a day, and 30 per cent for those who used it in the morning and evening.

According to Joshipura, helpful bacteria in the mouth can protect against diabetes and obesity, including microbes which help the body produce nitric oxide, which regulates insulin levels. Nitric oxide is also important for regulating the metabolism, balancing energy and keeping blood sugar levels in check.

The study was recently published in the journal Nitric Oxide.

Meanwhile, check out for these home remedies that helps in preventing bad mouth odour. Take a look.

1. Fennel:
Fennel contains antimicrobial properties that helps in fighting bacteria in the mouth. You can just take few fennel seeds and chew it. This not just freshens your breath but it stimulates the production of saliva. Also you could prepare fennel tea and drink 2-3 times a day. All that you need to do is add about a tea-spoon of fennel in a cup of hot water. Steep it for about 5 minutes, strain it and then drink.

2. Clove:
Clove is known for its antibacterial properties. All that you need to do is pop in 2-3 cloves and chew them properly. This helps in fighting bad breath as well as the bacteria in your mouth.

3. Cinnamon:
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamic aldehyde which helps in fighting against bad breath and bacteria in the mouth. Boil a glass of water, add one teaspoon of cinnamon to the boiling water, allow it to cool and use it to rinse your mouth.

4. Lemon Juice:
The acidic content in lemon helps to prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth. All that you need to do is take one tablespoon of lemon juice, add it to half a glass of water and use it to rinse the mouth thoroughly.

(With Agency Inputs)