Alcoholic mouth washes and heart surgery

[Taviterry]

This morning I had my routine six-monthly session with a dental hygienist who detected that I'd been using a mouthwash and cautioned me against overuse and certainly not continuously - not for more than a week. I think that this might have been in relation to my TAVI heart operation last July and to my being on an anticoagulant. (Before he started work, I'd reminded him that I was taking Clopidogrel.) But my hearing isn't great and he was speaking from behind a mask.

Googling didn't take me much further, though I did find this: dentalcaregroup.com.au/why-... Note this passage:

"Mouthwash is an equal opportunity bacteria killer. It doesn’t matter what type of bacteria it is, mouthwash will kill it. The problem is that not every type of bacteria is bad for you – out of the 700 different types of bacteria you’ll find in the human mouth, the vast majority are benign. In fact, some of that bacteria is actually good for you! Among other things, bacteria is responsible for Digesting food: probiotics help break down certain foods and keep your gut healthy."

Before my TAVI, I followed the recommendation to have a dental check up "to rule out significant decay. Any significant loose teeth may harbour bacteria, which could infect a new heart valve". Ever since the op, my stomach has been "uncomfortable", probably because of medication, though my heart surgeon did refer me to a gastroenteroligist.

I'm not at all worried about this, just curious to know others' thoughts.

[AlfredV]

I don't use mouthwash as I think it is an overhyped and unnecessary product. My understanding of the problem with mouthwash is as you have found out, it'll kill the good bacteria in your mouth as well as the bad. Some of this good bacteria produce nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels reducing blood pressure. Therefore it is thought that regular mouthwash usage can lead to raised blood pressure.

I don't know, but suspect that the effect is quite minimal compared to something like excessive refined carbohydrate consumption, however for someone who may already be struggling with high blood pressure there could be a benefit in avoiding it.

[Mitchum]

If you have a mechanical valve oral hygiene is vital. This is because bacteria that is harmful to the valve generally enters the body through the mouth. It is also why I must take a 3mg dose of anti-biotic one hour prior to a dental appointment. I use mouthwash nightly purely for this reason.

[Silvertail]

I was put onto a strong anti-bacterial mouthwash after a fall on my face which damaged my mouth. After two weeks my dentist told me to stop because it would stain my teeth and to use a milder mouthwash from a supermarket such as Listerine. My previous dentist advised me not to use a mouthwash - forget the reason why.

[BEATbump]

I have heard that mouth hygiene is important for heart health and always avoid alcohol in my mouth wash as my dentist years ago recommended I do. He's retired now. He said it was too harsh. I use mouth wash occasionally as I'd read, but don't know where, that it destroyed good bacteria too. I hope your stomach resolves and you feel more comfortable soon. Best wishes.

[CyclingTime]

My dentist told me to use mouthwash but to use it before brushing or a significant time after brushing your teeth.

The reason being they recommend brushing your teeth but not rinsing afterwards leaving the toothpaste residue there which adds protection to your teeth

[Warm-heart]

Alcohol in mouthwash dries the mouth which you don't want. Also mouthwashes that are this harsh kill the good as well as bad bacteria. We need the good bacteria in our mouth and gut for many things, including fighting off the bad bugs. That is why antibiotics can cause a wipeout that it may be useful to use a probiotic afterwards and at very least probiotic yogurt or kefir is great! I use UltraDex mouth rinse and toothpaste. The mouth rinse does not contain alcohol. Add just a couple of drops of the mint sachet provided (not all or it is very strong!!) and I find it (the mouth rinse) keeps my oral tissues from drying out overnight too, as well as keeping gingivitis under control which is important at all times but especially with heart issues. I hope this helps.