Worried about mouthwash causing cancer? Try lettuce juice instead, say oral health experts

Lettuce juice may be better for your oral health than mouthwash, scientists say.

Leafy greens are high in nitrate, which can reduce bacteria and acidity in the mouth that cause gum disease and tooth decay.

It comes after a controversial study this week linked alcohol-based mouthwashes to cancer.

Researchers in Belgium claimed that Listerine Cool Mint increased levels of two bacteria in the mouth that can cause esophageal and colorectal tumors.

In search of alternatives to morning swish, Mia Burleigh and Siobhan Moran from the University of the West of Scotland examined the effect of nitrate on oral health in athletes.

They found that drinking beetroot juice, which contains high nitrate levels, protected their teeth from acidic sports drinks and carbohydrate gels during exercise.

The told The conversation: ‘Our work showed that treating plaque samples from patients with periodontal disease with nitrate increased the levels of healthy bacteria and reduced acidity.

‘For example, consuming lettuce juice for two weeks reduced gingivitis and increased the number of healthy bacteria in patients with gum disease.

‘There is increasing evidence that nitrate is a cornerstone of oral health. Cracking a portion of vegetables with a meal can help prevent or treat oral diseases and keep the mouth fresh and healthy.’

They said the two main types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis causes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. Periodontal disease causes damage to the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth.

In addition to tooth loss, it can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Inadequate brushing and flossing leads to the buildup of plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, on teeth and gums. This causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and beetroot are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nitrates.

Nitrates can be converted into nitric oxide by bacteria in the mouth. This helps prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and reduces oral acidity.

Strong antiseptic mouthwashes are sometimes used to treat gum disease, but these can remove both good and bad bacteria.

Dr. Burleigh and PhD student Ms Moran said a generous portion of spinach, kale or beetroot, or a daily glass of lettuce juice, provides immediate health benefits without negative side effects.

Meanwhile, researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, claimed that Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash could increase the amount of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus bacteria in the mouth. Both have been linked to cancer.

In a statement, Kenvue, owner of the Listerine brand, dismissed the study and emphasized that the products are safe.

A spokesperson said: ‘Studies on Listerine’s impact on oral health have been published in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications for over a century, making it one of the most extensively tested brands of mouthwash in the world.

‘We are constantly evaluating the latest science. There is no evidence that Listerine causes cancer.’