Social media videos are claiming that mouthwash can raise risk of blood pressure – and potentially damage heart health.

According to some of these videos, this is caused by mouthwash wiping out “good” oral bacteria that are important for the cardiovascular system. While it’s a striking message, don’t throw your mouthwash away just yet. The reality is far more complex.

Our mouths contain a wide variety of bacteria. Together, these bacteria form a balanced and diverse microbiome which helps prevent the overgrowth of other bacteria linked to disease, supports normal metabolic functions and contributes to both good oral and overall health.

One of the important roles these oral bacteria have is converting the nitrate in our food (typically from sources such as leafy greens) into nitrite. When we swallow nitrite, the body turns it into nitric oxide. This happens via the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway, also called the enterosalivary pathway. It’s one example of how bacteria contribute to keeping the body healthy.

Nitric oxide plays an essential part in regulating blood pressure and supporting brain function and muscle function.

But according to some online influencers, the reason mouthwash harms heart health is because it affects the “healthy” bacteria – the ones that produce nitric oxide.

Mouthwash and heart health link

Several small studies have actually found that giving people mouthwash can change the balance of bacteria in the mouth. This may reduce the bacteria’s ability to turn nitrate from vegetables into nitrite, which the body needs to make nitric oxide.

One study of 19 healthy volunteers found that the adults who used chlorhexidine mouthwash for seven days saw a small increase in blood pressure and reduced levels of nitrite.

An intervention study also reported that rinsing with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash twice daily for one week significantly increased blood pressure in 27 healthy adults.

In another trial of 15 adults who already had high blood pressure, three days of chlorhexidine use further increased blood pressure.

The key detail that may be missed out of some of these online social media videos is the type of mouthwash used in these studies.

Many of the studies which have found a link between mouthwash use and blood pressure gave participants chlorhexidine. This is a strong, over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwash only recommended for short-term use in people with gum disease or after dental procedures where its antimicrobial effects are beneficial.

Chlorhexidine disrupts oral bacteria to help with infection control – including the bacteria that convert nitrate into nitrite. This makes it an ideal mouthwash to use for researchers wanting to study the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway. However, it also means the findings may not reflect what happens with milder, everyday mouthwashes.

A trial with 12 healthy adults investigated the effect of three different mouthwashes (and gargling water, which acted as a control) on oral bacteria.

After drinking a nitrate-rich juice, researchers measured how much nitrate was converted to nitrite by oral bacteria. Water and the mild mouthwash (which didn’t contain harsh ingredients such as chlorhexidine) caused a typical response, where nitrate was converted into nitrite.

But the cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash (which also has strong, anti-bacterial effects) partially blocked the conversion of nitrate to nitrite. The strongest chlorhexidine mouthwash almost completely stopped this process. This is consistent with their stronger antibacterial effects. The stronger types of mouthwash were also linked to higher systolic blood pressure.

Alcohol (ethanol) is another common ingredient in many mouthwashes, although formulations usually also include other active ingredients – such as essential oils. This makes it difficult to isolate the specific effects of alcohol.

As an antimicrobial, alcohol may influence the oral microbiome. Some studies have even suggested a possible association between mouthwashes containing alcohol and increased oral cancer risk. However, there are currently no studies that have specifically examined the effects of ethanol-only mouth rinses on the oral microbiome or cardiovascular health.

Overall, the body of evidence suggests that a mild, over-the-counter mouthwash, like the kind most people buy at stores, may be less likely to significantly interfere with nitrate-to-nitrite conversion or affect blood pressure.

In a long-term study of 354 adults, better routine oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular death over nearly 19 years. Regular mouthwash use did not appear to have any influence on heart health outcomes. This was true for milder mouthwashes containing flouride and alcohol, as well as stronger, anti-bacterial mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride.

The type of mouthwash matters

Together, these studies suggest that some types of mouthwash (such as chlorhexidine) disrupt beneficial oral bacteria and the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway when used long term. But more research needs to be done to truly understand the long-term effects of other types of mouthwash on cardiovascular health – including mild everyday mouthwash brands and those containing alcohol.

Mouthwash comes in different types for different purposes, so it’s important to check the active ingredient on the back of the packaging. Alcohol-free and milder mouthwashes appear to have less effect on the heart-healthy bacteria than stronger types.

However, be aware to check the ingredients as even alcohol-free options can contain antibacterial agents such as cetylpyridinium chloride. As such, it’s best to choose one that fits your needs and use it in moderation. Strong mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine are best reserved for helping gum disease or oral infections.

It’s also worth noting that oral health and untreated infections can also contribute to heart disease more broadly. For example, a systematic review of 82 studies concluded that chronic oral disease and tooth loss was associated with risk of heart problems. This is why maintaining a healthy balance of mouth bacteria matters beyond your teeth.

Take care of your oral and overall health by keeping up with brushing, flossing, visiting your dentist and choosing a mouthwash that works for you.

Having a good work-life balance is more crucial to workers than getting a higher salary when looking for a new role, a survey indicates.

A good work-life balance was the most common “must have” cited by workers, with 43% of people placing importance on this when considering a new role, according to the research, commissioned by travel franchise company Travel Counsellors.

Flexible working hours (35%) was the next most common motivation, followed by a better salary and benefits in third place with 31% of people highlighting this.

In addition, 17% of people said they would want a better working culture from a new role, and 16% would be seeking better personal development opportunities.

People taking part in the survey could choose as many options as they wanted.

Despite a better salary being pushed into third place on the wish-list for those scouring for a new role, a fifth (20%) said career progression is their top wish.

The survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK was carried out by Censuswide in December.

Among those who intend to stay in their current role in the next 12 months, 45% said they enjoy their work culture and the people they work with, underscoring the importance of “softer” work benefits, Travel Counsellors said.

Matt Harding, director of franchise sales at Travel Counsellors, said: “While salary continues to be important, people are increasingly prioritising roles that allow them to achieve a better work-life balance and provide greater flexibility in how they work.

“For many, having time for family and personal commitments, and being part of a working culture that is supportive and aligned to personal values, is just as valuable as financial rewards.”

“And secondly, it means if the Bill comes back a second time in the next session – and one way or another, I believe that it will – then it will not be open to the Lords to block it, because if a Bill comes from the Commons, having been passed by the Commons second time around, then the Parliament Act can be used.”

According to weather maps, warmer temperatures may be on the horizon for parts of Scotland.

Following days of cloud and showers, many Scots are hoping that another rise in temperatures isn’t too far away. As the weather fluctuates between blue skies and miserable down pours, many of us are having to leave the house ready for an array of weather systems.

While temperatures during the day are now consistently rising slightly into the double digits, there is still a chill in the air during the night with temperatures dropping back down below 5C. However, with the threat of energy prices soaring moving closer, many Scots want to know when they will be able to switch off the heating.

According to weather maps from the Met Office, a warmer spell may only be a few days away for some parts of Scotland. Looking towards the end of next week, one small Scottish seaside town is currently predicted to hit 18C in a fresh band of warm weather.

At the moment the national forecaster is predicting that Oban in the west coast of Scotland will sizzle at 18C on Friday, April 24. Fort William is also set to rise 18C by 4pm that afternoon, which will be sure to get Scots in a good mood for the weekend.

Elsewhere, Pitlochry, Helensburgh and Aberfoyle are currently set to hit 17C on Friday as the temperatures dip slightly as you travel towards the east of Scotland. Conditions are also predicted to be sunny with minimal cloud so Scots can truly bask in the sunshine.

The national forecaster is also warning that the UV level on Friday will be moderate, so it is important to apply sun cream to protect your skin.

It states: “Take care during midday hours and do not spend too much time in the sun unprotected. Sunscreen advised.”

However, the Met Office is currently painting a different picture on the other side of Scotland. While Oban and Fort William sizzles, with Glasgow also enjoying a high of 16C, the east coast may still need to have their cosy jackets on.

As Edinburgh is set to be a bit chillier at 13C, Aberdeen and Banff are set to only rise to 11C, with Peterhead and Wick only just making it into the double digits with 10C on Friday afternoon.

Friday’s high afternoon temperatures also follow on from a chilly night, with some areas in the Highlands sitting as low as 3C. These chilly conditions will continue throughout the morning, before rising around lunch time according to the maps.

Sadly this warm spell isn’t set to last long. While the west of Scotland will enjoy temperatures of between 15C and 16C on Saturday, April 25, the majority of Scotland will only rise to 13C. Sadly this is even worse for the east coast, which is currently predicted to only rise to 9C.

Looking at the Met Office’s long range forecast for April 23 to May 2, Scots can expect more unpredictable weather, with some parts possibly turning wintry at times.

The forecast reads: “High pressure is likely to be centred to the north of the UK through much of this period. Overall, many places will probably be largely dry with clear or sunny periods. There is a chance of some rain or showers at times in the far southwest and northeast, perhaps turning wintry in parts of Scotland.

“Wind may be strong at times around coasts, mainly in the southwest and northeast. Temperatures will probably be near normal or slightly above for many, but with a risk of colder conditions affecting the north at times.”

As we go into May, temperatures are set to be “close to or a little above average” but the north of Scotland is being warned that some cold nights may produce “late season frost”.

Garden experts have shared their top tips to help revive tired lawns and encourage healthier growth in the weeks ahead

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If your lawn’s looking particularly patchy this spring, you may be worried that it’s unfixable before the summer bloom. However, this can be solved if you do just one simple job now.

Laura Bradbury, Head of Ecommerce at Vonhaus, said: “By April, many lawns are showing the effects of winter, with moss, dead grass and debris sitting on the surface.

“If this isn’t removed, it can stop healthy grass from growing through properly. The good news is that a few simple jobs can make a big difference.

“Improving airflow, clearing build-up and getting the basics right can help lawns recover and grow back thicker and greener as the weather improves.”

Scarify your lawn to remove moss buildup

During the cold winter months, lawns typically develop a layer of moss, dead grass and debris known as thatch. This build-up can block air, water and nutrients from reaching the soil, leaving grass weak and patchy.

Investing in and using a scarifier can do wonders when it comes to removing this layer and allowing lawns to breathe again. Experts recommend doing this in spring when grass is actively growing, making April an ideal time to tackle the problem.

Clear debris to stop moss returning

“Debris left sitting on the lawn can hold moisture and create the perfect environment for moss to return,” says Laura. “Keeping on top of it regularly makes a big difference and helps grass grow through more evenly.”

Mow little but often

In the spring months, you’ll want to keep the grass slightly longer. Experts recommend cutting to a height of three or four cm, any higher than this and you slow down recovery by stressing the lawn.

Laura adds: “A good rule is to avoid removing more than a third of the grass height in one go, as cutting too much at once can put the lawn under unnecessary stress.”

Water at the right time to avoid damage

Most lawns need around one to two inches of water per week, and while your garden may receive this from rain, if not, you’ll likely have to water it yourself.

For this, Laura says: “Lawns don’t just need water, they need the right watering routine. Early morning watering gives the soil time to absorb moisture properly, which helps keep grass hydrated throughout the day.

“If water sits on the surface for too long, especially overnight, it can create the damp conditions that lead to problems like mould or patchy growth.”

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A gunman wielding an automatic weapon killed six people and barricaded himself inside a supermarket with hostages in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Saturday, before he was shot and killed by police, authorities said.

At least 14 people were wounded and taken to hospital.

The 58-year-old attacker was not named by police, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was born in Russia, as authorities worked to piece together a motive for the violence.

The mass shooting — unheard of in wartime Kyiv following Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — took place in a busy central district of the city, outside an apartment block and a nearby shopping center, leaving bodies on a crowded street as bystanders fled for safety.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw victims’ bodies in the street covered with emergency blankets before they were taken away.

“The assailant has been neutralized. He had taken hostages and, tragically, killed one of them. He also murdered four people on the street. Another woman died in the hospital due to severe injuries,” Zelenskyy said.

“It has been established that the attacker set fire to an apartment before taking to the streets with a weapon,” Zelenskyy said in a video posted online. “He had a prior criminal record, had lived in the Donetsk region (in eastern Ukraine) for a long period, and was born in Russia.”

Ukraine’s special tactical police units stormed the convenience store after attempts to contact the gunman with a negotiator failed, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

The hostages were supermarket customers and staff.

“We tried to persuade him, knowing that there was likely a wounded person inside. We even offered to bring in tourniquets to stop the bleeding, but he did not respond,” Klymenko said. “Consequently, the order was given to neutralize him.”

The minister said the gunman had a valid weapon’s permit.

During the 40-minute standoff, a female negotiator wearing body armor and standing behind an armored vehicle used a loudspeaker to call out to the assailant, urging him: “The people are not to blame for this. Please let them go, and we will talk with you.”

Ukraine’s security service, or SBU, described the killings as an act of terrorism.

The shooting took place in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district, where several residents said they recognized the gunman.

“I knew him by sight. He seemed like an educated, refined man. You’d never guess he was some kind of criminal,” said 75-year-old Hanna Kulyk, who lived in the same apartment block as the attacker.

“He didn’t socialize much with people — just a greeting and he’d be on his way,” she said. “He lived alone.”

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Associated Press journalists Vasilisa Stepanenko and Dan Bashakov in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, contributed to this report.

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An earlier version of this story was corrected to say the gunman shot bystanders, not the government.

Banish grime from your oven in under 30 minutes using this woman’s super easy cleaning hack which transformed her appliance from looking dirty to completely brand new

Cleaning your oven and hob can often slip down the priority list, purely because it’s such a lengthy job and, let’s be honest, rather unpleasant. Everyone desires a sparkling oven, but achieving it demands considerable elbow grease.

A grimy oven doesn’t just look awful, it can also create unpleasant odours throughout your home while cooking – and when entertaining visitors, this can prove genuinely mortifying. However, one woman has revealed she transformed her entire oven and hob using an unexpected household item that’s typically used for something completely different. Posting in the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, she explained: “So I did it!

“I bought the cheapest dishwasher tablets I could find (Morrison’s own make) and cleaned my entire oven and hob with them, took less than 30 minutes to do the whole thing.

“I had tried Elbow Grease spray, Pink Stuff, Cif oven cleaner, and others alike before. Nothing cleaned the oven door, I couldn’t see through it.

“Now it’s almost like new, the whole oven and hob and door. Thank you to this page. Also, please remember to wear gloves when doing this as you don’t want prolonged contact with skin from the dishwasher tablets.”

Keen to discover more about the cleaning method, fellow Mrs Hinch fans requested further details, with one asking: “Did you just go over everywhere with just the tablet or do you do something with the tablet?”

The original poster explained: “I just sprayed hot water inside and on the door and on hob then scrubbed around with the dishwasher tablets.

“I used the tablets then wiped all over with a clean wet sponge to essentially rinse it off then wiped all around with kitchen towel.”

She further emphasised that it required “no effort.”

Dishwasher tablets are available for as little as £3.29 for a pack of 40.

How to clean your oven:

Another easy way to clean your oven is by creating a paste of baking soda and water. Next apply it to the interior and let it sit overnight to break down grime.

This easy method avoids harsh fumes and doesn’t require much elbow grease either. The paste acts as an abrasive to banish stubborn burn-on grease, which you can then easily wipe away the next morning.

It took a first home defeat to Leeds since 1981 for the real moans to start.

The calmness previously viewed as an asset became a negative. Inaction was seen as conservative. All week the question has been asked, is Carrick up to the job?

Well, there was nothing aesthetically pleasing about this latest triumph.

But given only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of all the post-Sir Alex Ferguson bosses had experienced the feeling of winning at Stamford Bridge, style was a secondary element.

Chelsea may have hit the woodwork three times. They may have carried the more consistent threat. But Carrick’s team was the one that delivered.

“It was a game for a result,” he said. “And we managed to find it.”

There was more to it though. There was overcoming the adversity of knowing that on top of the three central defenders he knew would be missing (Matthijs de Ligt through injury and Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire due to suspension), Carrick then lost a fourth, Leny Yoro, to a training ground injury.

That came so late in the week his chosen pairing, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven, could only prepare with walk-throughs.

“I love when you see players thrive in those moments,” said Carrick.

Heaven, 19, had not started a game under Carrick, having first been given his chance by Ruben Amorim and then his immediate replacement Darren Fletcher.

“Ayden has not played a lot of football recently, and to come into that environment is not something that you can take for granted,” said Carrick.

“We say the same things to young players all the time. Sometimes they look at you as if to say, ‘yeah, good one’ but in terms of training every day and looking after yourself and being ready ‘because you never know when that chance comes’, he probably wouldn’t have thought it would come at that moment.

“But he was there, he was prepared, and he took it in his stride magnificently well.”

Top chef Angela Hartnett revealed how she takes her favourite pasta dish to the next level

Pasta is a go-to choice for many households when they’re in need of something comforting and quick and easy to prepare. Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett recently shared her knack for elevating the simplest of pasta recipes.

In a recent episode of the Dish from Waitrose podcast, Angela whipped up one of her favourite pasta dishes for actress Gemma Arterton. She paired linguine with flavours of the coast, using crab and fennel as the heart of the dish.

What’s even better is that it takes just ten minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so it works perfectly for a speedy midweek dinner, too. In a clip shared to TikTok, the chef revealed how she takes a simple pasta dish to the next level.

The real secret to any good pasta dish, which Angela swears by, is using pasta water. When adding all of the ingredients to the pan, you want to make sure that you’re adding a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Angela said: “The key to all of this is your reserved pasta water.”

Pour around a cup of the pasta water and then toss all of the ingredients together to coat the pasta. Adding pasta water to sauce acts as a binder that helps to emulsify fats, thickens the texture with starch, and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

The starchy, salty water prevents watery sauces, binds oil and/or cheese, and allows the sauce to coat each noodle evenly. To add some extra colour and flavour to the dish, you can add a handful of wild rocket leaves to the pasta after everything is stirred together.

Angela continued: “Mmm, that is lovely. I hope Gemma likes it.”

Gemma described the dish as “beautiful”.

The video has already been viewed over 18,400 times, receiving 972 likes and seven comments, at the time of writing. AA simply commented: “Delicious.”

Another agreed: “God Angela is GORG.”

Here’s how you can recreate Angela’s favourite pasta at home for a true taste of Italy.

Angela Hartnett’s crab, caramelised fennel and red chilli linguine

Ingredients

• Two tbsp olive oil
• One bulb/s fennel, halved, core removed, then finely sliced
• One shallot, finely sliced
• 150g linguine (or and pasta shape of your choice)
• One mild red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced
• One unwaxed lemon, zest of half and juice of whole
• 15 basil leaves, shredded
• 100g white crab meat

Method

Heat one tbsp oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the fennel and shallot and season. Cover with a lid and sweat gently for five minutes until soft, then uncover and fry for another five minutes, stirring regularly until starting to caramelise.

Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the pasta. Simmer for one minute less than stated on the pack instructions.

Just before draining, scoop out a mugful of the cooking water and set aside.

Add the chilli and finely grated zest from half the lemon to the fennel, then tip in the drained pasta and six tbsp of the reserved cooking water and toss together. Toss through the juice of the whole lemon and most of the basil and crab meat, then divide between plates and drizzle with the remaining one tbsp oil.

Grind over some black pepper and scatter over the remaining basil to serve.