Even though it is encouraged to use mouthwash every night before sleeping to thoroughly clean your mouth, experts believe that alcohol-based ones can cause oral cancer. Studies have concluded that mouthwashes that have a significantly high ethanol content allow cancer-causing substances to pass more easily through the gum tissue, causing harm. Read on to know more.
A mouthwash is generally supposed to freshen up bad breath, reduce plaque and gingivitis, and fight tooth decay and cavities. The product is advertised as something which can improve your oral health tremendously and comes in various flavours to attract customers.
However various studies have determined that many mouthwashes can cause oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer which forms in the oral cavity, including all parts of your mouth – lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof, or floor of the mouth. Oral cancer forms when cells on the lips or in the mouth mutate.
The review published in the Dental Journal of Australia has concluded that mouthwashes have a significantly high ethanol content which allows cancer-causing substances to pass more easily through gum tissue, causing harm.
Also, acetaldehyde, a by-product of alcohol can cause cancer-causing substances that can accumulate when mouthwashes are swished around the mouth.
The study says there are many popular mouthwashes available in the markets which contain as much as 26 per cent alcohol.