Medical experts issued an alert linking the over-use of mouthwash with oral cancer.

Medical experts issued an alert linking the over-use of mouthwash with oral cancer.

17:11 04 April 2014

A Europe-wide research study into the popular and high-selling breath-freshening and mouth-cleansing product has established a link between overuse of mouthwash and oral cancer. 

 

Study leader Dr David Conway from the University of Glasgow, said: “We have found that using mouthwash excessively – three or more times a day – raises the risk of cancer. 

 

"I know that some people who regularly smoke or drink alcohol use mouthwash to hide the smell. I would advise against any excessive use of it.”

 

He went on: “There are some occasions and conditions for which a dentist could prescribe a mouthwash.

 

“It could be that a patient has a low salivary flow because of a particular condition or medicine they are taking.

 

“But unless a dentist has prescribed a mouthwash, personally I think all you need for good oral health is regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, plus regular check-ups by a dentist.”

 

Dr Conway added: “We did not find any significant increase in risk associated with using mouthwash once or twice a day.”

 

The study, which is published in Oral Oncology, looked at the cases of 1,962 patients with mouth or throat cancer. It found that people with poor dental care also have higher risk of developing cancer. 

 

Prof Wolfgang Ahrens, of the Bremen Institute for Prevention Research and Social Medicine in Germany, said: “These results are really important.

 

“Up until now it was not really known if these dental risk factors were independent of the well-known risks for mouth and throat cancers – smoking, alcohol and low socio-economic status.”