Blood pressure and heart disease risk for anyone using chlorhexidine

Blood pressure and heart disease risk for anyone using chlorhexidineYou need to check the ingredientsCommentsNewsNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)09:46, 19 Apr 2026Updated 10:07, 19 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesA man using mouthwashSocial media videos are claiming that mouthwash can raise the risk of if high blood pressure and heart disease by wiping out “good” bacteria that are important for the cardiovascular system, but an expert says the truth is 'far more complex'.‌Our mouths contain a variety of bacteria which help prevent disease, support normal functions and contribute to good health. Joanna L'Heureux, Postdoctoral Researcher in Public Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Exeter, said: "One of the important roles these oral bacteria have is converting the nitrate in our food (typically from sources such as leafy greens) into nitrite. When we swallow nitrite, the body turns it into nitric oxide." She added: "It’s one example of how bacteria contribute to keeping the body healthy."‌Nitric oxide plays an essential part in regulating blood pressure and supporting brain function and muscle function.‌View 3 ImagesIt depends what type of mouthwash you useJoanna told The Conversation: "Several small studies have actually found that giving people mouthwash can change the balance of bacteria in the mouth. This may reduce the bacteria’s ability to turn nitrate from vegetables into nitrite, which the body needs to make nitric oxide."Getting married could save your life, frozen dead man brought back, fruit and veg win Alzheimer's fight, and scientists find 'natural Ozempic' that comes without the annoying side effects - all this and more in our latest science newsletter‌But, she added: "The key detail that may be missed out of some of these online social media videos is the type of mouthwash used in these studies. Many of the studies which have found a link between mouthwash use and blood p...