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.

Scientific Claim

Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%) significantly reduces alpha diversity of the oral microbiome in healthy adults after 7 days of use, indicating a loss of microbial diversity.

Original Statement

“After treatment, a major decrease in α-diversity (Shannon and Simpson indexes, p < 0.005) was observed in the CHX-M group, while α-diversity was less altered in the PROP-M with some decreases in the Simpson index at high taxonomic levels (p < 0.05).”

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 alpha diversity before and after intervention. The p-values of <0.005 indicate 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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