Diabetes risk increased by regular mouthwash use

A new study finds that people who use mouthwash regularly may have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

The research, conducted at the harvar University in the US found that swilling with anti-bacterial fluid could kill helpful microbes that live in the mouth and protect against obesity and diabetes.

Studies showed that people who used mouthwash twice daily were 55 percent more likely to develop diabetes within three years.

Speaking about it Kaumudi Joshipura, professor at Harvard School of Public Health said that most of the antibacterial ingredients in mouthwash are not selective.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he went on to add, “"In other words, they do not target specific oral bacteria - instead, these ingredients can act on a broad range of bacteria.”

The study, published in the journal Nitric Oxide, found that helpful bacteria in the mouth can protect against diabetes and obesity, including microbes which 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.