Mouthwash only a short term solution, experts warn
Mouthwash only a short term solution, experts warn
1 December 2009 .
Mouthwashes should only be used for a short time amid concerns that some types could have serious side effects when not used properly, dental researchers have warned.
Writing in this month's edition of Australian Prescriber, Camile Farah, Lidija McIntosh and Michael McCullough said that mouthwashes should only be used as a short-term supplement to brushing and flossing.
"A mouthwash may be recommended to treat infection, reduce inflamed gums, relieve pain, reduce bad breath or to deliver fluoride," they wrote.
"Although many popular mouthwashes may help to control dental plaque and gingivitis, they should only be used for a short time."
Following on claims made by Prof McCullough earlier this year, the researchers also warned of a growing link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and oral cancer.
"In people using these mouthwashes, the risk of getting cancer in the mouth or throat is increased by over nine times in smokers, over five times in those who also drink alcohol, and by almost five times in those who neither smoke nor drink alcohol," they wrote.
"Long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes should be discouraged given recent evidence of a possible link with oral cancer, but fluoride mouthwashes should be encouraged in people with a high risk of tooth decay.
Better to lose teeth than your life.
1 December 2009 .
Mouthwashes should only be used for a short time amid concerns that some types could have serious side effects when not used properly, dental researchers have warned.
Writing in this month's edition of Australian Prescriber, Camile Farah, Lidija McIntosh and Michael McCullough said that mouthwashes should only be used as a short-term supplement to brushing and flossing.
"A mouthwash may be recommended to treat infection, reduce inflamed gums, relieve pain, reduce bad breath or to deliver fluoride," they wrote.
"Although many popular mouthwashes may help to control dental plaque and gingivitis, they should only be used for a short time."
Following on claims made by Prof McCullough earlier this year, the researchers also warned of a growing link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and oral cancer.
"In people using these mouthwashes, the risk of getting cancer in the mouth or throat is increased by over nine times in smokers, over five times in those who also drink alcohol, and by almost five times in those who neither smoke nor drink alcohol," they wrote.
"Long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes should be discouraged given recent evidence of a possible link with oral cancer, but fluoride mouthwashes should be encouraged in people with a high risk of tooth decay.
Better to lose teeth than your life.
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10:05 AM
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