Alcohol-Based Mouthwash Might Increase Risks Of Oral DiseasesA recent study says that commonly used alcohol-based mouthwashes can have adverse effects on your oral microbiomes and increase the risks of periodontal diseases and some cancers.
What Are The Oral Diseases Caused By Bacteria?
These bacteria can cause inflammation, redness and bleeding of the gums.
Oral CandidiasisThis is a condition that is caused by the fungus Candida and bacterial infections can aggravate oral candidiasis.
EndocarditisBacteria from oral infections such as Streptococcus viridans can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves and cause endocarditis.
Alcohol-Based Mouthwash Might Increase Risks Of Oral Diseases
A recent study says that commonly used alcohol-based mouthwashes can have adverse effects on your oral microbiomes and increase the risks of periodontal diseases and some cancers. These microbes are the community of bacteria that live in your mouth and play an important role in digestion and keep the mouth healthy.
The study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology took into consideration men who have sex with men who regularly use mouthwash as a way to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium. They said that three months of using alcohol-based mouthwashes daily increased the amount of two species of opportunistic bacteria in the mouths of these men. These include Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus.
These bacteria can increase the risk of gum disease and oesophageal and colorectal cancers. The researchers also said they saw a decrease in a bacteria group called Actinobacteria which is important to regulate blood pressure levels.
Dr Jolein Laumen, from ITM’s Unit of Sexually Transmitted Infections said, “Alcohol-based mouthwashes are widely available. The public may use them daily to tackle bad breath or prevent periodontitis, but they should be aware of the potential implications. Ideally, long-term usage should be guided by healthcare professionals.” The researchers also called for larger studies to establish the risk.
What Are The Oral Diseases Caused By Bacteria?
Dental Cavities
These are caused by Streptococcus mutans and other acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria make sugars from food and produce acid that demineralizes and destroys tooth enamel, eventually causing cavities.
Periodontitis
This is a severe gum infection that is caused by anaerobic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis. It causes inflammation, tissue destruction and bone loss around the teeth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is caused by plaque-forming bacteria such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces species. These bacteria can cause inflammation, redness and bleeding of the gums.
Dental Abscess
This is an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and tooth which is usually caused by Streptococcus or anaerobic bacteria. It can result in pus accumulation, pain and swelling and can spread to surrounding tissues.
Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath can be caused due to bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds and other foul-smelling substances which eventually cause persistent bad breath.
Peri-Implantitis
This is an inflammatory condition affecting the soft and hard tissues around dental implants. It is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Oral Candidiasis
This is a condition that is caused by the fungus Candida and bacterial infections can aggravate oral candidiasis. Bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species can cause inflammation and discomfort.
Endocarditis
Bacteria from oral infections such as Streptococcus viridans can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves and cause endocarditis. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the heart lining and valves which can turn out to be fatal.
