Mouthwashes Increase the Risks of Stroke and Heart Attack

Regular use of mouthwashes increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a recent study finds.

Scientists are warning people against the use of mouthwash because it is disastrous to the health. Swilling kills off 'good' bacteria that help blood vessels relax which can cause an increase in blood pressure. The researchers employed volunteers and asked them to use Corsodyl, a brand containing powerful antiseptic and found that their blood pressure increased within just a few hours.

Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, lead author of the study from the University of London said: "Killing off all these bugs each day is a disaster, when small rises in blood pressure have significant impact on morbidity and mortality from heart disease and stroke." In their study, they compared the blood pressure levels in 19 healthy volunteers who started using Corsodyl twice daily. Their blood pressure rose by between two and 3.5 units.

However, Professor Ahluwali clarified that "We are not telling people to stop using antiseptic mouthwashes if they have a gum or tooth infection - but we would ask why anyone else would want to." They also clarified that not all mouthwashes contain chlorexidine. Listerine, for instance, does not but "other moutwashes could still disrupt the healthy bacteria."  Dentist Richard Guyver said he would be very cautious about drawing such conclusions from a relatively small study.

Makers of Corsodyl, GlaxoSmithKline said their product was intended for short-term use among people suffering from plaque and gum diseases. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that their own research did not highlight any such concerns regarding the use of Corsodyl 0.2 percent mouthwash.