Whether it’s to provide an extra minty freshness after brushing our teeth or to soothe bleeding gums, more than a third of us use mouthwash. But instead of improving your toothbrush’s job, this habit may actually be putting your health at risk.
More than a decade of studies suggest that mouthwashes may increase the risk of some cancers. Now new research has echoed that warning for users of one of the country’s most beloved options. However, you may not need to empty your bathroom cabinets just yet.
Dangers of mouthwash?
In the latest study by researchers in Belgium, who initially investigated the effect of daily mouthwash on STI risk among 59 men, volunteers used Listerine Cold Mint every day for three months, followed by a placebo mouthwash for three months (or vice versa).
Interestingly, the results also showed that Listerine mouthwash, which clears some of the germs behind bad breath and plaque, increased levels of two bacteria in the mouth (fusobacterium nucleatum And streptococcal anginosus) more. Separate studies have linked these types to esophageal and colorectal cancer.
Prof Karol Sikora, a renowned oncologist and professor emeritus of professional practice, says the theory is that alcohol, antiseptics or sweeteners found in mouthwash alter the microbiome and trigger changes in the growth pattern of cells, which can affect the likelihood of cancer developing. at the University of Buckingham.
He is also an associate professor of dental education and research at the University of Plymouth. Zoe Brookes states that a chemical called acetaldehyde is produced in the mouth after using alcohol-containing mouthwash. It’s this chemical that is thought to potentially cause cancer, she adds.
In response to their findings, the study’s authors urged people not to use mouthwash.
This isn’t the first time this alarming link has been reported. A 2009 article by the then president of the Australian Dental Association warned that mouthwashes containing alcohol increased the risk of oral cancer. He cited a 2007 study that found fluorescent fluid was linked to a three times higher risk of developing head and neck cancer.
However, none of these studies prove that mouthwash causes cancer. Additionally, a 2023 review warned that evidence linking mouthwash and cancer was “limited and conflicting”; because other studies have found no link between mouthwash use and cancer.
He noted that other studies have only flagged cancer concern when this bacteria is found in the gut. “But just because Fusobacterium can cause colon cancer in the gut doesn’t mean bacteria in the mouth will cause oral cancer; that’s a very remote possibility,” he says.
But there are other risks as well. Dr D., a senior lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland who researches the microbiome and oral health. Aside from cancer concerns, some studies have linked frequent mouthwash use to diabetes and high blood pressure, says Mia Burleigh.
This is thought to be caused by gargling, which reduces the rate at which the mouth converts a compound found in food called nitrates into nitric oxide, as it clears out some bacteria from the mouth.
“Healthy sources of nitrate include vegetables and dark leafy greens and roots such as beets,” she explains. “Without important bacteria in our oral microbiome, nitric oxide production decreases, disrupting glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular control through regulation of blood vessel dilation.”
What’s in mouthwash?
Dentist and founder of Luceo Dental in London, Dr. Although ingredient lists vary considerably between mouthwashes, most options on drugstore and supermarket shelves contain five basic ingredients, says Tom Crawford-Clarke.
Fluoride is one of the most common. It helps prevent tooth decay by protecting teeth against acids produced by plaque.
He explains that antibacterial agents are also included, reducing the number of microorganisms in our mouth and balancing pH levels, helping prevent tooth decay and eliminating bad breath.
Examples include cetylpyridinium chloride, which prevents bad breath and plaque from maturing, as well as chlorhexidine digluconate, found in Corsodyl, which helps control early signs of gum disease by lowering bacterial levels.
Dr Crawford-Clarke notes that essential oils are added to freshen breath, provide a “minty sensation” and reduce plaque formation, while sweeteners are mixed in for taste.
Alcohol is the ingredient that provides the slightly stinging “zing” effect of mouthwash, helps dissolve fats in the liquid, and kills bacteria. It is frequently found in concentrations greater than 20 percent; this is about twice as much as found in wine and four times as much as in beer. This is one of the reasons why you should never drink.
The exact blend of ingredients you get will depend on which mouthwash you buy.
The safest ways to clean your mouth and teeth
“If you’re worried about research, just buy an alcohol-free mouthwash,” says Prof Brookes. “Then you can avoid the claim that alcohol content increases cancer risk, as some researchers claim.”
Dr Burleigh recommends stopping gargling unless you have a specific problem that needs to be treated. “There is emerging evidence that mouthwash is detrimental to other areas of health, so it is best avoided unless prescribed to treat a specific oral health problem,” he says.
“Mouthwashes – contrary to what advertising would have you believe – are not a solution to problems and do not replace good oral hygiene habits such as tooth brushing and interdental cleaning,” says Dr Crawford-Clarke.
If you use mouthwash, don’t do it right after brushing your teeth because it’s better for your teeth by rinsing off the toothpaste, he says.
“If you want to add it to your oral hygiene routine, it’s much better to use it after meals or at another time for brushing,” says Dr Crawford-Clarke. “If you are concerned about the alcohol content then I would find the non-alcoholic one.”
Alternatives include using sugar-free gum or mints or a tongue scraper, he adds.
A spokesperson for Listerine said: “Studies on Listerine’s impact on oral health have been published in hundreds of peer-reviewed publications for over a century, making it one of the most comprehensively tested mouthwash brands in the world. It consistently uses the latest science “We are evaluating there is no evidence that Listerine causes cancer.”
The fastest ways to freshen your breath
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Chew sugar-free gum: stimulates the production of saliva, which protects teeth
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Drinking water: Keeps the mouth moist and helps rinse debris after meals.
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Eat beets and spinach: Nitrate (prebiotic)-rich vegetables help balance “good” and “bad” bacteria in the mouth and reduce acidity
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Brush and floss regularly: removes plaque and food particles that cause bad breath