Mouthwash, Nitric Oxide, and Blood Pressure: A Nuanced Look at the Science

Social media claims that mouthwash drastically raises blood pressure are not supported. Research shows that strong mouthwashes (eg, chlorhexidine) can disrupt oral bacteria and impede nitrate-to-nitrite conversion, potentially raising systolic blood pressure in some short-term trials. However, milder, everyday mouthwashes generally have little effect on this pathway or on heart health, and a long-term study found no link between regular mouthwash use and cardiovascular death. The takeaway is to choose a milder mouthwash, use it as directed, and maintain good oral hygiene, since untreated oral disease is linked to cardiovascular risk.