Antibacterial toothpaste is good for teeth. But antibacterial mouthwash may interfere with the way the body converts nitrates in our saliva — which can lead to ill-health over time.
Your tongue is especially sensitive to antibacterials, and mouthwash containing triclosan can kill the good bacteria on the tongue. This leads to “bad” bacteria entering the bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout the body – which increases risk of serious health problems like heart disease.
Key takeaways
– Eat lots of leafy green vegetables and beets, which help increase the nitrate level in saliva.
– Avoid antibacterial mouthwash and only brush your teeth (not your tongue) with antibacterial toothpaste
– Speak to your dentist about choosing the right mouthwash for your oral care.
“One way we can become nitric-oxide-production-deficient is by not eating enough vegetables in the first place”
Article:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/antibacterial-toothpaste-harmful-helpful-or-harmless.html
Matthew Houlton BDS(Sheffield) MFGDP(UK)I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.
