The small blood pressure increase from using the special mouthwash was similar in size to what's known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Scientific Claim

In healthy young adults, the blood pressure increase from disrupting oral nitrate-reducing bacteria was similar in magnitude to the estimated cardiovascular risk increase associated with small blood pressure elevations.

Original Statement

“Although the increases in BP may seem small (∆SBP 2–3.5 mm Hg), it is estimated each 2 mm Hg increase in SBP increases mortality due to ischemic heart disease and stroke by 7 and 10%, respectively.”

From study:Physiological role for nitrate-reducing oral bacteria in blood pressure control

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study design supports describing the magnitude of blood pressure changes in relation to known cardiovascular risk. The language 'was similar in magnitude' appropriately reflects the comparison to existing literature without implying causation.

More Accurate Statement

“In healthy young adults, the blood pressure increase following disruption of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria was similar in magnitude to the estimated cardiovascular risk increase associated with small blood pressure elevations.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Physiological role for nitrate-reducing oral bacteria in blood pressure control

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2013 Feb

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Physiological role for nitrate-reducing oral bacteria in blood pressure control

Score: 45

DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.11.013

Similar Assertions

When people used the special mouthwash, their blood pressure went up but their heart rate didn't change, which suggests the effect is specific to blood pressure regulation.

93%

When mouth bacteria are disrupted, blood pressure goes up regardless of how it's measured - whether at the doctor's office, at home, or with a 24-hour monitor.

93%

Even when people ate a diet low in nitrate, using the special mouthwash still increased their blood pressure, which suggests the effect comes from the body's own nitrate recycling process.

92%

The blood pressure increase from using the special mouthwash was the same whether measured at the doctor's office, at home, or with a 24-hour monitor.

91%

People with more oral bacteria that convert nitrates to nitrites tend to have lower blood pressure, but only if they don't already have high blood pressure.

89%