As we all know, maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is essential for good oral
health. While mouthwash is often used as a part of an oral care routine, a study
published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology in 2016 has raised concerns
about the use of antimicrobial mouthwash.
The study investigated the effect of a commonly used antimicrobial mouthwash
on the diversity and composition of the oral microbiome in 37 healthy adults. The
results showed that the use of the antimicrobial mouthwash for one week
resulted in a significant reduction in the overall microbial diversity of the oral
microbiome. The mouthwash was found to reduce the abundance of several
beneficial bacterial species while increasing the abundance of potentially harmful bacteria.
This reduction in microbial diversity caused by the antimicrobial mouthwash may
have potential negative effects on oral and systemic health. An imbalance in the
oral microbiome has been linked to various oral and systemic diseases, including gum disease and heart disease.
It is important to note that this study was conducted on a small sample size and
only investigated the short-term effects of the mouthwash on the oral
microbiome. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of
different types of mouthwash on the oral microbiome and oral health.
While antimicrobial mouthwashes can be effective in reducing the bacteria that
cause bad breath and gum disease, it is recommended to use them only as
directed and under the guidance of a dental professional. Overuse of
antimicrobial mouthwash could potentially disrupt the balance of the oral
microbiome and lead to a range of oral and systemic health problems.
In conclusion, the study suggests that antimicrobial mouthwash may have a
negative impact on the diversity and composition of the oral microbiome,
potentially leading to oral and systemic health problems. It is important to
consult with a dental professional before using any mouthwash or oral care
products and to consider the potential impact on the oral microbiome and
overall oral health.
