We all want to stay healthy, which often means stepping up our hygiene game. In sensitive areas like the bathroom, cleanliness feels non-negotiable. That’s why wet wipes and mouthwash have become everyday staples alongside your toothbrush.
A colorectal surgeon is throwing some serious shade at these seemingly innocent habits. Dr. Karen Zaghiyan from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center recently took to social media to share that she’s ditched both wet wipes and mouthwash from her routine. Why? Because these “clean” habits might actually be sabotaging your gut health—and could even increase your cancer risk!
What’s Wrong With Wet Wipes?
Wet wipes offer convenience and a sense of extra cleanliness, but Dr. Zaghiyan warns they can come at a cost. Many wipes contain preservatives, surfactants, and fragrances that may disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, especially in sensitive areas.
“Over time,” she explains, “these ingredients can cause chronic irritation and inflammation,” particularly with repeated use. This can lead to conditions like contact dermatitis or contribute to more serious complications in people with pre-existing skin sensitivities.
Her recommendation? Go back to basics. Soft toilet paper and a gentle rinse with lukewarm water are often enough. “Sometimes less really is more,” she says.
Is Mouthwash Too Much?
While mouthwash is a go-to for fresh breath and a quick oral refresh, its broad-spectrum antibacterial action may not be as harmless as it seems.
Yes, mouthwash kills bad breath bacteria—but it also eliminates beneficial microbes, disrupting the balance of the oral microbiome. And here’s where things get more complicated: your mouth isn’t an isolated system. Oral health is closely tied to gut health, and research increasingly shows that disruptions in one can trigger problems in the other.
The Microbiome Matters
Your body is home to trillions of bacteria essential to digestion, immunity, and inflammation regulation. Over-sanitizing, particularly with products designed to “kill 99.9% of germs,” may strip away these protective microbes, leaving the body vulnerable to chronic health issues.
“Being too clean can backfire,” Dr. Zaghiyan notes. “Our bodies need a healthy mix of bacteria to function properly.”
Instead of eliminating every germ, the new focus in health and wellness is supporting the beneficial bacteria that keep our systems in balance.
A Hygiene Wake-Up Call
If your bathroom routine feels squeaky clean but leaves your skin irritated or your mouth dry, it may be time for a rethink. Swapping out harsh products for simpler, microbiome-friendly alternatives could help protect more than just your skin and breath—it might also support your long-term gut and immune health.
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