MICROBIOLOGY SOCIETY
SUMMARY
- Researchers have identified a significant change in composition and abundance of bacteria in study participants’ oral microbiomes after using a popular brand of alcohol-based mouthwash.
- The oral microbiome is the community of bacteria that live in the mouth, they help us digest our food and keep our mouth healthy.
- Researchers found that two species of opportunistic bacteria were significantly more abundant in the mouth after daily use of the alcohol-based mouthwash, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus.
- These two bacteria have been previously linked to several diseases including gum disease and oesophageal and colorectal cancers.
- Although results show potentially damaging alterations to the microbiome, researchers urge that the study results do not mean that the general public should no longer use mouthwash.
The oral microbiome is the community of bacteria that live in the mouth, they help us digest our food and keep our mouth healthy. Changes to the composition of the oral microbiome have been linked to periodontal diseases and some cancers.
The research, published in Journal of Medical Microbiology found that two species of opportunistic bacteria were significantly more abundant in the mouth after three months of daily use of the alcohol-based mouthwash, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus. These two bacteria have been previously linked to gum disease, esophageal and colorectal cancers. Researchers also saw a decrease in a group of bacteria called Actinobacteria which are crucial contributors to the regulation of blood pressure.
Dr Jolein Laumen, first author of the study and researcher at 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”.
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