Scientists working at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp have wondered about the effect of mouthwash on the microbiome in the oral cavity.
Their study found that daily use of an alcohol-based mouthwash for three months increased the number of opportunistic microorganisms in the mouth.
We are talking about two types of pathogenic bacteria: Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus.
These microorganisms can lead to gum inflammation, esophageal cancer and colorectal cancer.
The researchers also noticed a reduction in the number of actinobacteria, which play a key role in regulating blood pressure.
Despite the potentially dangerous changes in the microbiome that have been discovered, doctors are not calling for people to stop using alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Scientists are working to study this question - this time, on a much larger group of subjects.
It is too early to draw conclusions for another reason: the analysis did not take into account eating habits, smoking and other factors.
Earlier, BelNovosti wrote about how to learn to wake up feeling rested.
