Can strongly antibacterial mouthwashes impair the microbiome?

Yes. Strongly antibacterial mouthwashes can reduce useful as well as unwanted microorganisms.

For certain antiseptic active ingredients, an impairment of bacterial nitrate conversion has been observed. In individual studies, this was also accompanied by changes in blood pressure.

Antiseptic mouthwashes remain useful when there is a medical indication. For permanent daily use without a specific treatment reason, however, gentle, microbiome-oriented concepts are an alternative worth considering.