TROO Herbs on Instagram: "# **How Mouthwash Might Affect Blood Pressure:** 1. **Kills Beneficial Oral Bacteria** - Many antiseptic mouthwashes (e.g., those containing **chlorhexidine** or **cetylpyridinium chloride**) kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the mouth. - Some beneficial bacteria (e.g., *Streptococcus salivarius*, *Veillonella*) help convert **nitrate** (from leafy greens and beets) into **nitrite**, which is then converted into **nitric oxide (NO)** in the body. - **Nitric o