Mouthwash use 'linked to oral cancer'

[Jesus Malverde]

Heavy use of mouthwashes may lead to a higher risk of oral cancer, an expert claims.

Research suggests that people rinsing with such products more than three times a day have a greater chance of developing mouth and throat cancer.

Dr David Conway, a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow Dental School, said people should not routinely use a mouthwash and stick to brushing and flossing instead.

Poor oral health – one of the reasons people regularly use the rinses – also plays a part in cancer risk, he added.

The research supports an Australian study in 2009, which said there was ‘sufficient evidence’ that mouthwashes containing alcohol contribute to an increased risk of the disease, because they allow cancer-causing substances to penetrate the lining of the mouth more easily.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2596497/Mouthwash-use-linked-oral-cancer-People-use-products-three-times-day-increase-risk.html

[yeoman6987]

1. Ok 3 times a day

I actually only use mouthwash in the morning. I brush twice…I know should be 3 times but once in the morning and once at night, but just use Listerine in the morning.

[Jesus Malverde]

2. Seems the key is if you have generally poor oral health like bleeding gums.

Or oddly...dentures.

[TexasProgresive]

3. or mouthwashes containing alcohol

[SoCalDem]

4. Gee Whiz.. Who could have guessed

that holding mouthfuls of chemicals every day could harm you

[Shivering Jemmy]

10. How else could you eat?

If you can't hold a mouthful of chemicals...

[liberal N proud]

5. They say Listerine will kill toenail fungus

If it will kill that, I am not sure I want it in my mouth in the first place.

What is in that stuff?

[Feral Child]

12. Thymol

is a component of the herb Thyme. It's one active ingredient in Listerine.

Listerine was developed in the hopes it would be an effective surgical sterilizer.

It was later marketed as a cure for halitosis, caused by rotten teeth, epidemic in the late 19th century. It was subsequently found to be effective against thrush, an oral fungal infection.

Thymol has been found to be somewhat effective in controlling fungal infections in immuno-compromised individuals. The specific fungi targeted have become tolerant of more traditional anti-fungal treatments, similar to MRSA.

If Listerine "killed" nail-fungus, many people would be soaking their feet in it daily.



Interestingly, thymol is believed to have some anti-tumor properties as well.

[Junkdrawer]

14. "many people would be soaking their feet in it daily"...

They do...

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=toe+fungus+listerine

[Feral Child]

18. Yes, I know.

Tried it myself. Also, Dakin's Solution.

I brought home a dose from RVN. Glad to say, it was the only "dose" I contracted there.

At least I know I'll get rid of in the cremation oven someday...

[Junkdrawer]

19. Bacteria and viruses are tinker toys. I'm talking about Fungus here....

[Larry the Cable Dude]

6. 4 times or more?

The article says "more than 3 times a day". More than 3 is 4 or more.

I would love to know what proportion of people do it that much.

[Jesus Malverde]

7. Interesting the point that those concerned about their bad oral health

Receding/bleeding gums might think they are doing their body good. Especially when exposed to constant messaging in the media.

[surrealAmerican]

8. I expect these would be people whose underlying condition ...

... causes their breath to smell quite bad ...

... either that or people with a compulsive disorder.

[Solomon]

9. people who smoke, drink

And chew tobacco.

[Madam Mossfern]

11. Which would make them

at higher risk for cancer anyway.

[randome]

13. I floss, brush and use mouthwash after every meal except when I have coffee on the weekends.

A very small amount of mouthwash but this article is making me reconsider. As clean as my mouth is, I'm sure I can do without the mouthwash entirely. It was just a reflexive addition to my routine when I decided to take better care of my mouth.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Birds are territorial creatures.
The lyrics to the songbird's melodious trill go something like this:
"Stay out of my territory or I'll PECK YOUR GODDAMNED EYES OUT!"[/center][/font][hr]

[treestar]

15. Did the same, but it was recommended once per day

By my dental clinic. So I went out and got some mouthwash, which I normally didn't do. One thing I do that helps is brush my teeth after lunch - I keep a toothbrush at the office!

[LeftishBrit]

16. Typical sensationalist headline from the Daily Mail. But OVER-use of mouthwashes containing ALCOHOL

might somewhat increase the risk of oral cancer.

Using mouthwash only over a short period (e.g. when recovering from dental surgery); or only once a day; or mouthwashes that don't contain alcohol, is not likely to be dangerous.

There are a number of mouthwashes, such as Fluoriguard, that don't contain alcohol. Unfortunately, they do tend to be more expensive than Listerine. A cheaper alternative, probably not quite as effective but perfectly safe, is to gargle with salt water.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

17. Who in their right mind is still using alcohol based mouthwash? nt

[1000words]

20. I use tea tree oil in a little water.