You might want to forgo that daily swish of mouthwash — it might be hiking your risk of heart attack and stroke, new research suggests.
Scientists report that antiseptic mouthwash can increase blood pressure by killing off bacteria that help dilate blood vessels, according to the Daily Mail.
They studied Corsodyl, a mouthwash containing the antiseptic chlorhexidine, and found it can increase blood pressure within hours of use.
Top Doctor: Slash Heart Attack Risk 81 Percent
“Killing off all these bugs each day is a disaster, when small rises in blood pressure have significant impact on morbidity and mortality from heart disease and stroke,” says Professor Amrita Ahluwalia, lead researcher.