I’ve had quite a number of patients mentioning story the media has been running recently, it’s about a study published in the Dental Journal of Australia which found ‘significant evidence’ that: alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer.
hrmm, I found it interesting that Flap found some older studies which did NOT find any correlation between mouthwash and oral cancer. I found it even more interesting to have a letter sent to me reassuring me that alcohol-based mouthwash is safe. Bad news sure does travel fast!
Anyway.
My best answer to my patients?
BRUSH AND FLOSS!
Regardless of whether they use alcoholic, non-alcoholic, organic, none, or whatever. I would still rather have my patients brushing and flossing like they’re supposed to. Why talk and worry about mouthwash when you haven’t even got the basic habits down pat?
Not only that, I don’t actually know anyone who recommends mouthwash for anything other than perio and dry mouth… (I feel like I’ve just jinxed myself)
I only wonder how this will impact on Listerine? This publicity will definitely put a dent in their sales regardless of how “significant” the evidence really is. I bet they’re going to be changing their marketing stance, say bye bye to the big *kabOOm* finally! (I never liked those ads anyway)
Hmm… seems like everything leads to the development of cancer =)So would you still recommend mouthwash?
I do for some but don’t for others, it really depends on the individual~