Using mouthwash increases the risk of obesity and diabetes

Using mouthwash twice a day significantly raises the risk of obesity and developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Swilling with the anti-bacterial fluid could be killing beneficial microbes which live in the mouth and protect against the conditions. People who used the product twice a day were around 55 percent more likely to develop diabetes or dangerous blood sugar spikes.

Popular mouthwash solutions include ingredients that kill good and bad bacterial. Most of these antibacterial ingredients in mouthwash are not selective- they do not target specific oral bacteria-instead, these ingredients can act on a broad range of bacteria.
Researchers looked at overweight people who were at risk of developing diabetes. Over the study period, around 17 per cent 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 using it in the morning and evening.

Helpful bacteria in the mouth can protect against obesity and diabetes, as it helps the body produce nitric oxide. This important molecule helps trillions of our cells to communicate with each other by transmitting signals throughout the entire body and regulates insulin levels and our metabolism. Commonly-used mouthwashes typically contain powerful bacteria-killing formulas including cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, triclosan, alcohol, fluoride, peroxide and essential oils. However, the researchers warn killing off good helpful bacteria also makes room for harmful bacteria to thrive.
         haleplushearty.blogspot.com