Does Mouthwash Really Damage Your Heart? Here's What We Know

Social media posts claim mouthwash harms heart health by killing beneficial oral bacteria, but the evidence is much narrower.

The research mainly involves small, short-term studies of strong antiseptic mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine.

These products can reduce nitrate-to-nitrite conversion in the mouth and may modestly raise blood pressure.

The findings do not show that everyday mouthwash use damages cardiovascular health.