Mouthwash may mess with your blood sugar, new study suggests

NCT ID NCT07172009

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether using chlorhexidine mouthwash before eating carbs changes blood sugar levels. Researchers think killing mouth bacteria might interfere with early carbohydrate digestion. About 45 healthy adults will rinse with either chlorhexidine or a placebo, then eat white bread, and have their blood sugar measured over two hours.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

chlorhexidine mouthwash

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a link between oral bacteria and blood sugar control, possibly informing future diabetes prevention strategies.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study in healthy people, so results may not apply to those with diabetes. The effect, if any, might be small or not clinically meaningful.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glucose metabolism disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Plymouth

    RECRUITING

    Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••