Mouthwash and Microbiome

Fresh breath often feels like the ultimate sign of cleanliness. But what if mouthwash destroys more than it protects? Beneath the surface lies a fragile system: the oral microbiome. It shapes oral health, influences the immune system, and reaches far beyond the mouth itself.

This episode explores the hidden interplay between mouthwash and microbiome: how alcohol-based rinses can disrupt microbial balance, why oral dysbiosis fuels opportunistic bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus, and what this shift means for overall health.

A closer look at everyday routines reveals that oral microbiome balance is not about wiping out bacteria, but about protecting diversity, resilience, and exploring microbiome-friendly alternatives.