Although it was common in the past for a dentist to recommend antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash to maintain healthy teeth, many now believe that this may actually kill helpful bacteria.
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that can be found in some toothpastes. Research by Colgate showed that toothpaste containing triclosan was beneficial to teeth. However, concerns have been raised about triclosan’s safety in mouthwash.
Antibacterial mouthwash may interfere with the way our bodies convert the nitrates in our saliva which can lead to ill-health over time. Your tongue is especially sensitive to antibacterials, and mouthwash containing triclosan can kill the good bacteria on the tongue.
Key takeaways
– Follow a healthy diet with leafy green vegetables and beets, which help increase the nitrate level in saliva.
– Avoid antibacterial mouthwash and only brush your teeth (not your tongue) with antibacterial toothpaste
– Speak to your dentist about choosing the right mouthwash for your oral care.
Your dentist is unlikely to recommend beets to combat tooth decay but “we have to eat our vegetables and keep our tongue bacteria happy”
“Good bacteria on our tongue convert nitrates into nitrites which can circulate throughout the body to create nitric oxide.”
Read more:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/antibacterial-toothpaste-harmful-helpful-or-harmless.html
Dr Nicholas Riley BDS 1996, MJDF 2012Nik qualified from Cardiff Dental School in 1996. He has always had a keen interest in clinical excellence, and further education. He recently gained his MJDF qualifications Nik dedicates much of his time to attending many world renowned courses in restorative, aesthetic and implant dentistry, so he can ensure that patients benefit from the most up to date solutions.
