India, June 20 -- While millions include mouthwash as a staple in their daily hygiene routines, UK-based nutritionist Zib Atkins warned that standard oral rinses may be causing more harm than good. In a February 2026 Instagram video, Zib revealed he has permanently stopped using mouthwash, calling it a 'nuclear bomb for the bacteria in your mouth'. Also read | Don't clean your tongue after brushing teeth every morning? Skipping it may cause you serious harm: Here's what to know

According to Zib, the primary issue lies in the indiscriminate nature of antibacterial rinses. Rather than selectively targeting bad breath, these products wipe out the entire oral microbiome, a consequence he compares to the overuse of prescription medication, he...