A new study has found "sufficient evidence" implicating alcohol containing mouthwash in oral cancer. An australian scientist, whose findings were published in Dental journal of Australia, said some mouthwashes were more dangerous than wine or beer because mouthwashes contained higher concentrations of alcohol, as high as 26 per cent.
The alcohol in mouthwashes allows cancer causing substances such as nicotine to penetrate the lining of the mouth easily.
If results in a toxic breakdown product of alcohol called acetaldehyde - another carcinogen - which can accumulate in the oral cavity when swished arund the mouth.
The evidence was based on an international study of 3,210 people, which found daily mouthwash a " significant risk factor" for head and neck cancer. The effects were worse in smokers who had a nine fold increase in risk of cancers of oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Those who drank alcohol were more than five times at risk.
However, British Dental Association and Cancer Research UK cautioned that more research was needed to confirm the findings.
