This question has arisen from across the globe this week. The Australian Ministry of Health is now advising people to consult their dentists over concerns with alcohol-containing mouth rinse. An article by Michael McCollough, Associate Professor in Oral Medicine at Melbourne University and chair with the ADA, was recently published in the Australian Dental Journal. It was also featured on a television station this past weekend, thus the publicity. The hullabaloo is about the findings: “sufficient evidence” that use of alocohol-containing mouthwashes can increase a person’s risk for oral cancer. It seems the ethanol in some mouthwashes can promote the influx of carcinogenic compounds on the mouth’s sensitive lining. Furthermore, alcohol produces a byproduct called acetaldehyde, which is yet another carcinogen.
McCollough recommended reclassifying alcohol-containing mouthwash to a prescription product and making manufacturers add health warnings to product labels. He also advised that the ADA reconsider its seal of approval on such products.
According to a 2003 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, most studies indicate that alcohol in mouthwash does not increase the risk for OPC (oropharyngeal cancer). In 2004, a paper published by Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain states, “There is neither an evidence of the fact that alcohol increases the effects of antiplaque agents in mouthwashes.” Thus, the debate will continue until more research is completed.
Learn more about oral cancer at www.oralcancerfoundation.org.
SOURCES: MedGuru, New Zealand Herald