From Ann Wills

Daily Telegraph 25.3.20 “SCIENTISTS WARN THAT USING MOUTHWASH MAY DAMAGE DENTAL HEALTH”

Researchers at Plymouth University have found a commonly used type of mouthwash could make saliva significantly more acidic.  The study, the first of its kind, examined the effect of chlorhexidine mouthwash on the oral microbiome.  The study concluded that using chlorhexidine mouthwash significantly increases the lactate-producing bacteria that lowers the pH of saliva.  Researchers analysed mouth bacteria & their saliva buffering capacity (the ability to neutralise harmful acids in the mouth which cause tooth decay.)  They found chlorhexidine led to more species within the Firmicutes & Proteobacteria bacteria families & fewer beneficial Bacteroidetes, TM7 & Fusobacteria.  This is associated with a rise in acidity in the mouth & a reduction of beneficial microbial diversity in the mouth.   Study led by Dr Raul Bescos who said “We believe this is the first study to look at the impact of 7-day use (of chlorhexidine) on the whole oral microbiome in human subjects.”  Published in “Scientific Reports.”