Mouthwash may increase risk of diabetes: Harvard study

Researchers have found that people who use mouthwash regularly may have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Researchers at the Harvard University in US, including one of Indian origin, found that rinsing with mouth wash -- which contains anti-bacterial fluid -- could kill helpful microbes which live in the mouth and protect against obesity and diabetes.

Helpful bacteria in the mouth can protect against diabetes and obesity, said Kaumudi Joshipura, professor at Harvard School of Public Health.

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The microbes in the mouth help the body produce nitric oxide, which regulates insulin levels.

Nitric oxide is also important for regulating the metabolism, balancing energy and keeping blood sugar levels in check.

"Most of these antibacterial ingredients in mouthwash are not selective," Kaumudi Joshipura was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

"In other words, they do not target specific oral bacteria - instead, these ingredients can act on a broad range of bacteria," Joshipura told The Telegraph.

Researchers found that people who used mouthwash twice a day were around 55 per cent more likely to develop diabetes or dangerously elevated sugar levels, within three years.

The study had a sample size of 1,206 overweight people between 40 and 65 years of age who were at a risk of getting diabetes.

Around 17 per cent of people developed diabetes or pre-diabetes over the study period. The risk increased to 20 per cent for those using mouthwash once a day, and 30 per cent for those who used it in the morning and evening.

The study was published in the journal "Nitric Oxide".