Many people have a habit of using mouthwash daily to help maintain oral health. However, if not used correctly, mouthwash can be dangerous to your health. Research has shown that commercial mouthwashes, including Listerine, carry the risk of mouth cancer, with nearly 640,000 people worldwide being diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Oral cancer develops in the mouth, gums, and tongue.
Specifically, mouthwashes that contain alcohol, various chemicals, and toxins can be harmful to your oral health when used as a mouthwash. We will list some of the most common ingredients found in mouthwash, so you can identify the risks when using:
Alcohol: Alcohol causes bad breath because it dries out the mucous membranes and reduces saliva production. Furthermore, it disrupts the pH balance in the throat and mouth. According to the Australian Dental Journal, alcohol significantly increases the risk of oral diseases, especially oral cancer.
Chlorhexidine: Researchers believe that this chemical in mouthwash raises blood pressure. The journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine published a study confirming that using mouthwash twice a day increases blood pressure and causes serious heart issues. Additionally, this chemical destroys beneficial bacteria in the body and dilates blood vessels.
Hexetidine or oraldene: If the body absorbs too much of this chemical, it can cause blood clots, impact the nervous system, and affect brain function. Moreover, it can cause allergies, abnormal heart rhythms, and according to researchers, it can even lead to cancer.
Methyl Salicylate: Just one tablespoon of this toxic substance is equivalent to 23,300mg of aspirin. It can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, kidney failure, nausea, vision loss, seizures, difficulty breathing, and more.
Methylparaben: Research has shown that this substance is common in mouthwash, deodorants, and skin creams. Experts believe that using it increases the rate of tumor growth and leads to an increased risk of breast cancer.
According to dental hygiene scientists, maintaining clean oral hygiene and following a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, spices, lentils, and peas, while providing adequate water intake, can greatly support oral health and help prevent and treat complications.
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