Worried about mouthwash causing cancer? Try lettuce juice instead, say oral health experts READ MORE: Listerine Cool Mint may increase risk of two cancers, experts say By Chris Pollard Published: 13:47, 21 June 2024 | Updated: 13:47, 21 June 2024 e-mail View comments Lettuce juice may be better for your oral health than mouthwash, say scientists. Leafy greens contain lots of nitrate, which can reduce bacteria and acidity in the mouth that cause gum disease and tooth decay. It comes after a disputed study linked alcohol-based mouthwash to cancer this week.
Researchers in Belgium claimed that Listerine Cool Mint raised levels of two bacteria in the mouth that may cause oesophageal and colorectal tumours. Looking for alternatives to the morning swish, Mia Burleigh and Siobhan Moran, of the University of West Scotland, studied the effect of nitrate on oral health in athletes. Consuming lettuce juice for two weeks was found to reduce gum inflammation and increased healthy bacteria levels in patients with gum disease They found that drinking beetroot juice, which contains high levels of nitrate, protected their teeth from acidic sports drinks and carbohydrate gels during exercise.
The told The Conversation : ‘Our work has shown that treating plaque samples from periodontal disease patients with nitrate increased healthy bacteria levels and reduced acidity. ‘For example, consuming lettuce juice for two weeks reduced gum inflammation and increased healthy bacteria levels in patie.
