Using a common antibacterial mouthwash for a week can increase the number of bacteria that cause gum disease.

Scientific Claim

Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%) significantly increases the relative abundance of periodontitis-associated bacterial species in the oral microbiome of healthy adults after 7 days of use.

Original Statement

“Regarding the relative abundance of bacterial species related to periodontal disease, a significant increase was observed in these species in the CHX-M group after the treatment (p = 0.001), but this was not observed in the PROP-M group (Figure 4).”

From study:The comparative effect of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral nitrite-producing bacteria and blood pressure regulation

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 periodontitis-associated bacterial species before and after intervention. The p-value of 0.001 indicates statistical significance, supporting definitive language for this specific quantitative finding.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

The comparative effect of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral nitrite-producing bacteria and blood pressure regulation

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2025

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

The comparative effect of propolis and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral nitrite-producing bacteria and blood pressure regulation

Score: 67

DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2024.2439636

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Using a common antibacterial mouthwash for a week can reduce the variety of bacteria in the mouth, which might make the oral environment less healthy.

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