Colombian doctor Carlos Jaramillo has once again sparked conversation with a video in which he questions the indiscriminate use of mouthwashes that promise to "eliminate 99.9% of bacteria." He explains that this idea of a "clean and sterile mouth" is not only false, but can be detrimental to overall health.
“Your mouth needs bacteria to protect enamel, produce nitric oxide, and take care of your heart,” says Jaramillo, noting that the oral microbiota performs vital functions that are altered when the microbial communities that inhabit it are destroyed.
The specialist criticizes the tendency to transfer the hospital-style logic of antiseptics to daily care. "We believed the story that everything has to be sterile, when in reality, a healthy mouth is not a mouth free of bacteria, but one in balance," he says.
Main quotes
Jaramillo explains that many of these products contain chlorhexidine, quaternary ammonium chloride (QAM), hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, excess fluoride, alcohols, SLS, artificial colors, and flavorings, all of which can irritate, stain, or disrupt the microbiota. "Just because something burns doesn't mean it's working; it means it's irritating," she warns.
The doctor adds that chronic use can have indirect effects on cardiovascular health by reducing the production of nitric oxide, a molecule essential for vasodilation and blood pressure regulation. "A sterile mouth can, paradoxically, lead to a diseased heart," he concludes.
When to do it and when not to do it
The use of mouthwash, says Jaramillo, would only be justified under dental or medical advice, for a limited time, and with a clear objective: after surgery, abscesses, or severe infections. For all other cases, his recommendation is categorical: "If you use it just for the commercial or because of the minty breath, it's better not to."
Healthier alternatives
The doctor suggests a more natural and conscious approach: gentle brushing twice a day and using floss or interdental brushes; good hydration ("saliva is medicine"); natural, non-plastic, xylitol-based gum; SLS-free and chemical-free toothpaste; simple rinses with water or a little xylitol a few times a week; and green tea rinses as an occasional alternative. He also recommends avoiding the use of baking soda or essential oils, which can disrupt oral flora.
“Less than 2% of the planet's microorganisms are pathogens,” Jaramillo reminds us. “The rest are allies we need to take care of, including those in our mouths.”
The final message is clear: it's not about eliminating bacteria, but rather about living in balance with them. A reflection that, beyond oral hygiene, reminds us that health isn't achieved with products that promise sterility, but with sustainable habits and knowledge of one's own body.