It’s no secret that a hydrated mouth is a happy mouth. When our mouths are hydrated, we produce more saliva, which washes away food particles and debris. Saliva also contains minerals, like calcium and phosphate, that strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. It even helps break down food for easier digestion. And, let’s be serious, nobody likes the feel of a dry mouth.
So, it sounds like regular water has this whole “mouth health” thing under control.
But wait! A study conducted in 2023 looked at whether hydrogen water could have added benefits for our mouths. This lab study investigated the potential of EHW (electrolysed hydrogen-rich water) as a mouthwash by examining its effects on cariogenic bacteria (the bacteria that cause cavities).
So, could hydrogen water be an alternative to a store-bought mouthwash that burns your mouth off? One study looked at that question. Let’s take a deeper dive into it.
A Lab Study on Hydrogen Water and Cavity-Causing Bacteria
The Why
Studies have already reported that electrolysed water has antioxidant and bactericidal activity. That means that, in lab tests, electrolysed water has protected cells from free-radical damage and killed or slowed the growth of some harmful bacteria.
But researchers wanted to specifically test electrolysed hydrogen-rich water (EHW) with a neutral pH on cariogenic bacteria. Essentially, they wanted to see if hydrogen water’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties could make a significant impact on oral health.
The Experiment
Step 1:
Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus were exposed to EHW or tap water (control) for one minute.
Translation:
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus are two types of bacteria found in the human mouth. They are both members of the genus Streptococcus, which is a large group of round-shaped bacteria. They feed on sugars in your diet. As they digest these sugars, they produce acid as a byproduct. This acid gradually erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities if left unchecked.
Step 2:
Bacterial growth curves, colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, and crystal violet staining of biofilms were examined.
Translation:
Crystal violet staining is a common technique used in microbiology labs to visualize and quantify biofilms. Biofilms are communities of bacteria that stick together and adhere to surfaces. They can be difficult to detect because they are often transparent and slimy.
Step 3:
The expressions of genes encoding glucosyltransferases (gtfB, gtfC, and gtfI) and glucan-binding proteins (gbpC and dblB) were also examined.
Translation:
Both of these proteins (glucosyltransferases and glucan-binding proteins) are found in bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a major culprit in tooth decay.
The Results
- EHW inhibited bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
- The number of CFUs was significantly reduced in the EHW group compared to the control group.
- The expression of genes encoding glucosyltransferases and glucan-binding proteins were also decreased in the EHW group compared to the control.
The Conclusion
In the lab, EHW inhibited growth and biofilm formation in these cavity-causing bacteria. The researchers suggested EHW is worth studying further as a mouthwash; it hasn’t been tested for preventing cavities in people.
What Could This Mean for Oral Care?
As more studies are done on hydrogen water’s oral health benefits, we’re going to see some new practices from dentists and periodontists and in biomimetic dentistry. (Biomimetic dentistry is a dental approach that focuses on mimicking nature's methods to preserve and restore teeth.)
Here are some ways EHW could change the way dental health professionals treat oral health issues:
Overall Oral Hygiene: If results like these hold up in people, EHW could become an option for people who don’t like the strong sensation of traditional mouthwashes.
Preventive Care Research: Dentists and researchers may explore hydrogen water as part of an oral hygiene routine, pending studies in people.
What About Gum Health? The study didn’t look at gum disease. Researchers have separately tested hydrogen water’s antibacterial effect on plaque from people with chronic periodontitis, but lab results like these don’t show that hydrogen water prevents or treats gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are still the foundation.
Pre-procedural Rinse: Researchers could also study EHW as a rinse before dental procedures such as composite fillings, to see whether it reduces bacteria in the mouth.
This lab study on electrolyzed hydrogen-rich water (EHW) offers a glimpse into a potentially interesting new tool for oral hygiene. It was done on bacteria in the lab, not in people, so it doesn’t show that hydrogen water prevents cavities. Overall, this study paves the way for further exploration of EHW in oral care.
If you want to incorporate hydrogen water into your daily routine, check out some of Echo’s hydrogen water bottles.
