The oral microbiome, the community of bacteria in the mouth, plays a crucial role in digestion and maintaining oral health. However, alterations to this microbial community have been associated with various health issues, including periodontal diseases and certain types of cancer. A new study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology has explored how the use of alcohol-based mouthwash might impact the oral microbiome, particularly in men who have sex with men, following up on an earlier investigation into mouthwash as a method to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
Researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, focused on whether daily use of mouthwash could influence the bacteria in the oral cavity. The study found that after three months of daily use of alcohol-based mouthwash, there was a significant increase in two opportunistic bacteria: Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus. Both bacteria have been previously linked to gum disease as well as esophageal and colorectal cancers. Additionally, a reduction was observed in a group of beneficial bacteria known as Actinobacteria, which play a key role in regulating blood pressure.
Dr. Jolein Laumen, the study’s first author, emphasized the potential risks of long-term use of alcohol-based mouthwashes, noting that while such products are commonly used for oral hygiene, their effects on the oral microbiome should not be overlooked. “Alcohol-based mouthwashes are widely available, and the public may use them daily for bad breath or to prevent periodontitis,” Dr. Laumen said. “However, they should be used with caution, ideally under the guidance of healthcare professionals.”
Professor Chris Kenyon, a co-author of the study, highlighted the widespread use of mouthwash among men who have sex with men, with up to half reporting its regular use. He noted that the study adds to growing evidence suggesting that alcohol-based mouthwashes could be negatively impacting the oral microbiome.
Despite these findings, researchers caution against making definitive conclusions due to limitations in the study. Key factors such as dietary habits and smoking were not accounted for, and the small sample size from the initial study may not reflect broader population trends. Further research with larger, more representative groups is needed to better understand the long-term effects of alcohol-based mouthwash on the oral microbiome and clinical health outcomes.
In conclusion, while daily use of alcohol-based mouthwash may alter the balance of the oral microbiome, more extensive studies are needed to fully comprehend the potential health implications and to guide safer usage practices.
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