Mouthwash is Harming Your Health

Hi TPW Fam,
 

I want to shed light on an important topic—the impact of mouthwash on our oral microbiome and the vital role it plays in digestion. I see a lot of people using mouthwash daily, believing it's a healthy step in their oral care, but this is far from reality.

Traditional mouthwash that is made from chemicals is incredibly dangerous to your oral microbiome, digestion and heart health.

The Oral Microbiome and Digestion

Just like your gut microbiome, we also have an oral microbiome. Our mouths host a diverse community of microorganisms that form our oral microbiome. This ecosystem is the first point of contact for digestion, as it helps break down food particles and initiate the digestive process.

Maintaining a healthy, diverse oral microbiome is crucial for optimal digestion and overall wellness. Using chemical mouthwash kills off beneficial bacteria and hinders the first stage of digestion which affects all further digestive processes.

Disruption of the Nitric Oxide Process

Another negative consequence of this disruption is the interference with the production of nitric oxide—a molecule with various health benefits. Nitric oxide helps relax and widen blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health.

A pubmed study showed "people who used mouthwash twice/day or more had higher incidence of hypertension compared to less frequent users" (PMID: 31709856). Other resources here via NYTimes best seller, Max Lugavere.

Embracing an Alternative Approach

As a holistic nutrition consultant, I encourage you to consider natural alternatives to mouthwash. Here are some suggestions...

Oil Pulling: Swishing a tablespoon of organic coconut oil in your mouth for 5-10 minutes can help remove harmful bacteria without disturbing the beneficial ones. Once done, spit the oil out in the garbage and brush your teeth for a "just left the dentist" clean feeling.

Herbal Mouth Rinse: Create your own mouth rinse using natural ingredients such as diluted tea tree oil, chamomile tea, or aloe vera juice. These gentle alternatives can promote a healthy oral environment.

Non Toxic Mouthwash:Just Ingredients has TPW approved oral care. Other brands areHeritage store andRisewell.

Remember, nurturing your oral microbiome is a vital step towards optimizing digestion and overall well-being. Ditch the toxic mouthwash, your health will thank you!

In good health,
Morgan