Contents:
- Medical Video: Using mouthwash daily may increase risk of diabetes
- The relationship between mouthwash and the risk of diabetes
- Why does the frequency of using mouthwash increase the risk of diabetes?
- Use mouthwash not to overdo it
Medical Video: Using mouthwash daily may increase risk of diabetes
Besides brushing your teeth, using mouthwash may also be part of your routine for maintaining dental hygiene. But it seems you have to be more careful. The reason, some studies report that too often rinsing with mouthwash can increase your risk of developing diabetes. Why, why?
The relationship between mouthwash and the risk of diabetes
Summarized from a survey of the San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study (SOALS) posted on the NCBI website, the habit of using mouthwash twice a day is reported to increase the risk of diabetes by 55% rather than just gargling once a day.
This finding was obtained after observing 1,206 obese people aged 40-65 years. Researchers also took into account gender, smoking habits, physical activity, waist circumference, alcohol consumption, blood pressure (whether pre-hypertension or already had hypertension), history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, socioeconomic status, diet, sleep patterns, dental health conditions and mouth, until medicines are being consumed.
Another study conducted by Rakesh P. Patel and colleagues from the Department of Pathology and Center for Free Radical Biology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham reported that people who are obese and at risk of developing diabetes can worsen their condition if they routinely use mouthwash.
Why does the frequency of using mouthwash increase the risk of diabetes?
Many mouthwash products on the market contain antibacterial ingredients such as the following:
- Chlorhexidine
- Cetylpyridinium chloride
- Triclosan
- Alcohol
- Fluoride
- Peroxide
These active ingredients work to kill bacteria that cause inflammation of the gums and tooth decay. But on the other hand, these chemical compounds also destroy good bacteria in the mouth which are important for forming nitric monoxide (NO). In the body, nitric monoxide helps regulate insulin production.
When these good bacteria colonies are turned off, the body's work to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar levels can be disrupted. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for the development of diabetes.
Use mouthwash not to overdo it
A number of these findings are quite worrying because so many people routinely use mouthwash to keep their mouth and teeth clean. Moreover, mouthwash is easily bought and sold anywhere. Even so, there is no evidence that can really show a causal relationship between mouthwash gargling automatically gets you into diabetes. Further research still needs to be done.
One thing is certain, the biggest risk factor for diabetes is an unhealthy lifestyle. A diet high in fat, sugar, and salt and lack of physical activity can disrupt the body's metabolism which affects the regulation of blood sugar levels.
However, it is always better to prevent than cure. The British Dental Association suggests that using mouthwash is enough once a day, and is actually not necessary every day. What should be emphasized is how you maintain your dental health by:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning after meals and at night before going to bed
- Use toothpaste containing fluoride to protect teeth
- Brushing your teeth with the right technique, also clean the tongue
