How is mouthwash bad for mouth health?

Andrew Huberman has shared several reasons why alcohol-based mouthwashes, as well as homemade solutions involving hydrogen peroxide, may be harmful to oral health. Here are some key points:

• Hydrogen peroxide can be too abrasive for the mouth cavity, leading to ulcers instead of treating canker sores. Dr. Huberman recommends against the use of homemade mouthwash containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide 1.
• The oral cavity is a unique environment that requires a proper pH balance to prevent harmful bacterial growth. Mouthwashes that disrupt this pH balance can be detrimental 2.
• Alcohol-based mouthwashes can deplete nitric oxide production in the oral cavity, which is important for vascular health throughout the body. Alternative mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol may be more beneficial 3.
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    Oral Health Insights

    01:28:11
    
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    2

    Oral Cavity Insights

    00:21:59
    
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    Nitric Oxide and Mouthwash

    01:32:36
    
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    4

    Mouthwash Myths

    01:24:34
    
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    5

    Oral Health Insights

    00:24:32
    
• Overusing antiseptic mouthwashes can negatively impact the oral microbiota, and it may be better to promote oral health through methods that support the oral microbiome 4.

Instead of harmful mouthwashes, Andrew Huberman suggests cost-effective approaches like a high salt solution rinse followed by plain water, as well as other natural methods to maintain and improve oral health while preserving the oral microbiome 1 5.