Nitric oxide is an important regulator of blood vessel diameter, helping to ensure that blood can circulate efficiently throughout the body. It also helps to relax the muscles in the walls of arteries, allowing for improved blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Mouthwash is a popular oral hygiene product that helps reduce the bacteria that form plaque, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. The antiseptic effects of chlorhexidine can help keep the mouth clean and healthy. Studies have also shown that chlorhexidine mouthwash may have detrimental effects on blood pressure and microvascular health, through the mechanism of this amazing biological molecule, nitric oxide.
Bacteria in the mouth participate in the conversion of nitrates from food to nitric oxide, and they are killed by chlorhexidine. That is why using antiseptic mouthwash can hinder your overall production of nitric oxide and compromise vascular health. If you need these products, look for alternatives that do not contain chlorhexidine. Ideally, using home-made mouthwash from natural ingredients could be considered that contain apple cider vinegar, baking soda, oregano oil, or peppermint oil
We at the dry eye nutrition program are big fans and believers in nitric oxide, so more articles to come in this topic, stay tuned!