06/06/2026
Targeting oral microbiome to protect against hypertension, promote healthy aging
Oral bacteria convert nitrate from food into nitrite, which is subsequently converted into nitric oxide through digestion; however, as individuals age, the body’s natural production of nitric oxide declines. In a soon-to-be-recruiting clinical trial, researchers plan to investigate whether a nitrate-rich mouthwash can boost nitrite production in the oral microbiome and, in turn, the availability of nitric oxide for blood pressure regulation.
