Using a common antibacterial mouthwash can increase the number of certain bacteria that produce nitrite, but actually makes those bacteria less effective at producing nitrite.
Scientific Claim
Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%) significantly increases the relative abundance of nitrite-producing species in the oral microbiome by 25% compared to baseline in healthy adults, while simultaneously impairing nitrite-producing activity.
Original Statement
“CHX-M increased the relative abundance of NPS (p < 0.001) but significantly impaired the NPA (p < 0.001) compared to baseline and PROP-M.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
This is a randomized controlled trial with direct measurement of bacterial abundance and activity before and after intervention. The p-values of <0.001 indicate strong statistical significance, supporting definitive language for these specific quantitative findings.
More Accurate Statement
“Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%) significantly increases the relative abundance of nitrite-producing species in the oral microbiome compared to baseline in healthy adults, while simultaneously impairing nitrite-producing activity.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The comparative effect of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral nitrite-producing bacteria and blood pressure regulation