Using mouthwash might increase blood pressure over time; here’s how
Many people start their day with a quick rinse of mouthwash. It feels fresh, fast and harmless. But new research is raising an important question: Could frequent mouthwash use play a small role in raising the risk of high blood pressure? Here’s everything we need to know about the connection between mouthwash and blood pressure.
Why scientists are studying mouthwash and blood pressure
The idea sounds unusual at first. Mouthwash sits in the mouth for only a few seconds, so how could it affect blood pressure?Researchers believe the answer lies in the tiny community of bacteria living on the tongue and gums. These bacteria help convert dietary nitrates into nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels and helps regulate blood pressure.When strong antiseptic mouthwash wipes out these helpful bacteria, nitric oxide levels may drop. And when nitric oxide drops, the body may struggle to keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
This theory is now backed by growing data.
A large meta-analysis evaluated the link between mouthwash use and hypertension by reviewing data from nine cohort, pilot and cross-sectional studies.This analysis included 6,384 adults, aged 40–60, all showing mild signs of hypertension.The researchers found:
- Regular antiseptic mouthwash users showed a slightly but significantly higher risk of developing hypertension than non-users.
- Despite high heterogeneity between studies, the association was strong enough to be noted.
- The potential mechanism again pointed to reduced nitric oxide availability due to destruction of oral microflora.
These findings do not claim that mouthwash causes high blood pressure. They show an association that deserves attention.Another key piece of evidence comes from the NIH, which tracked adults aged 40–65 for three years.Key findings include:12% (66 out of 540) developed hypertension during the study period.Participants who used over-the-counter mouthwash twice a day or more had:1.85 times higher hypertension incidence compared with less frequent users2.17 times higher incidence compared with non-usersThese associations held even after adjusting for age, sex, waist size, smoking, physical activity, baseline BP, diabetes status and alcohol intake.The team had earlier shown links between frequent mouthwash use and prediabetes. Their new findings strengthen the idea that regular antiseptic rinsing may influence metabolic and cardiovascular health through nitric oxide pathways.
What this means for daily health habits
Both studies highlight one common message: frequency may be the key factor.Using antiseptic mouthwash occasionally is unlikely to harm nitric oxide levels. But using it twice a day or more, especially over many years, might have an effect on blood pressure regulation.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individuals with blood pressure concerns should consult a healthcare provider before making changes to their oral care routine.
