Dentist warns daily mouthwash use may raise diabetes and blood pressure risk: ‘Flush it down the toilet’

A California-based dentist has sparked a fresh health debate by warning that regular use of antiseptic mouthwash could be harming not just oral health, but also increasing the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

In a video shared on social media in late December 2025, Dr Mark Burhenne urged people to rethink their daily mouthwash habits, claiming that overuse may disrupt the mouth’s natural microbiome and negatively impact cardiovascular health.

“For many people, your cardiologist will eventually tell you to pour your mouthwash down the toilet,” he said, adding that the advice should be taken seriously. 

The nitric oxide link

According to Dr Burhenne, the tongue hosts beneficial bacteria that play a crucial role in producing nitric oxide — a molecule essential for maintaining flexible blood vessels and healthy blood pressure.

He explained that nearly half of the body’s nitric oxide production depends on oral bacteria. “No bacteria means no nitric oxide, and that’s when blood pressure starts to rise,” he noted. Antiseptic mouthwashes, he warned, do not discriminate between harmful and helpful bacteria, effectively wiping out the microbes needed for vascular health.

Higher risk of diabetes and hypertension

Citing findings from a three-year study, the dentist claimed that using mouthwash twice a day was associated with a significantly higher risk of metabolic and heart-related conditions.

According to the data referenced, frequent mouthwash users showed a nearly doubled risk of high blood pressure and a markedly increased likelihood of developing diabetes.

“I’m a dentist, and I would never use mouthwash twice a day,” he said, explaining that destroying nitric oxide–producing bacteria can have long-term systemic effects.

A shift toward microbiome-friendly oral care

Dr Burhenne’s comments align with the growing field of functional dentistry, which views oral health as deeply connected to overall body health. Rather than abandoning oral hygiene altogether, he emphasised adopting gentler practices that support beneficial bacteria instead of eliminating them entirely.

“The mouth isn’t separate from the body. If we treat it harshly, the consequences go far beyond bad breath or cavities,” he added.

Note: This report is based on claims shared on social media and has not been independently verified. The information is for general awareness only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.