Using Mouthwash Daily May Increase the Risk of Diabetes, Here's How You Can Maintain Oral Health!

Have you been using mouthwash on a daily basis? May it is time to stop as it may raise the risk of developing diabetes. According to a study, using mouthwash twice a day significantly raises the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. US researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health claim that washing with the anti-bacterial fluid could be killing beneficial microbes which live in the mouth and protect against the conditions. According to the research, people who used the product twice a day were around 55 percent more likely to develop diabetes or dangerous blood sugar spikes, known as pre-diabetes, within three years.

As per the researchers, this is the first study to show that the seemingly positive practice designed to boost your oral health can have unhealthy consequences. The researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health claimed that most of these antibacterial ingredients in the mouthwash are not selective, meaning they do not target specific oral bacteria.

For the study, the team looked at 1206 obese people who were 40-65 years old and who were deemed at the risk of developing diabetes. During the study period, around 17 percent of developed diabetes or pre-diabetes, but that rose to around 20 percent for those using mouthwash once a day and 30 percent for those who used it twice a day.

Helpful bacteria in the mouth can protect against obesity and diabetes, as it helps the body produce nitric oxide.

Oral hygiene is important, therefore, you must ensure a good diet that takes care of your mouth.  Here are some foods that you should include in your daily diet to maintain oral hygiene.

1. Apple

Apples are an amazing source of water and fiber that act as cleansing agents. It also contains malic acid that boosts saliva production, hence removing bacteria from the mouth.

2. Cheese

Cheese makes for an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus and protein, which makes your teeth stronger and whiter and further protect them from decaying.

3. Spinach

You must make green leafy veggies a part of your daily diet as they are super-efficient when it comes to maintaining your whites. They have abundant magnesium that helps in building the enamel and keeps it healthy.

4. Raisins

Eating raisins regularly can make your teeth whiter. It also increases the production of saliva and thus, prevents plaque buildup, stains and risk of cavities.  

With Inputs from IANS