The Role of Oral Bacteria in Insulin Function

Mouthwash is a popular way to freshen breath and kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. It helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. However, you should be cautious about how much you use. Mouthwash can kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Some of these beneficial bacteria are essential for your health.

Certain bacteria in your mouth convert nitrates, which you get from foods like leafy greens and beets, into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is vital for your body. It helps dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow. It also supports insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. When insulin doesn’t work properly, the body can develop insulin resistance. Over time, this leads to type 2 diabetes.

Using mouthwash regularly can disrupt the balance of your mouth’s microbiome. This may affect both oral health and overall health. It’s important to find a balance. You need to maintain good oral hygiene while keeping the beneficial bacteria that help with nitric oxide production and insulin function.

Resources:

Healthline, 5 Ways To Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally, Gavin Van De Walle, March 10, 2023, Medically Reviewed by Amy Richter, MS, RD
HealthLine
Last viewed: 20240119

National Library of Medicine, Antiseptic mouthwash, the nitrate–nitrite–nitric oxide pathway, and hospital mortality: a hypothesis generating review, October 16, 2020,
National Library of Medicine.
Last viewed: 20240119