The word cancer drives fear into the hearts of many, and with good reason. The advancements made in cancer research notwithstanding, it still claims a lot of lives every year. People make conscious decisions to avoid food and other things that are said to contain carcinogens or cancer causing substances. So it must be alarming to hear that a popular everyday product like Listerine is said to increase the risk of developing cancer. There is debates that suggest that the use of Listerine and other alcohol based mouthwashes increased the risk of developing oral cancer.
About Listerine
It might be surprising to learn that Listerine was originally developed as a surgical antiseptic. It is named after Dr. Joseph Lister who led the way in antiseptic surgery. The product really took of when it was sold in diluted form as a cure for bad breath. It was originally marketed has having a number of other uses as well. These included being a cure for the common cold, treatment for sore throat, and as a preventative measure for dandruff. The Federal Trade Commission decided that these claims were misleading and they were eventually dropped from advertising campaigns.
Alcohol and Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can affect the tongue, cheeks, the hard and soft palates, the sinuses, throat, lips and floor of the mouth. It has been found that heavy drinkers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer. This risk is even higher when alcohol use is combined with smoking. Since Listerine is alcohol-based, many believe that can contribute to oral cancer.
Chances of survival are good if oral cancer is caught and treated early. The symptoms include:
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Chronic sore throat
• Sores that fail to heal
• Lumps or crusts in the mouth or on the lips
• The appearance of red patches in the mouth
• Numbness in the mouth, neck or face
• Pain in the ears
• Hoarseness
• Weight Loss
• Difficulty Swallowing
Listerine Safety
A number of studies have been conducted on the issue of alcohol-based mouthwashes and cancer. Both the United States National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Dental Association agree that the alcohol used in mouthwash is safe. A study published in the Australian Dental Journal seems to contradict this. The study states, “There is now sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that developing oral cancer is increased or contributed to by the use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes…”
The study went on to suggest that these mouthwashes might be best used for the short term. A section of the study states, “…mouth rinses should be prescribed by dentists, like any other medication. There may well be a reason for the use of alcohol-containing mouthrinses, but only for a particular situation and for a limited and controlled period of time,” the study stated.
This was reportedly an extensive study that caused enough concern for the Cancer Council of New South Wales to ask for more exploration of the subject. Given these conflicting findings, it is perhaps wise to err on the side of caution. Those who suffer from chronic bad breath should see a dentist rather than relying on repeated use of Listerine. As with so many other things, moderation is best. Use the mouthwash for short periods or try to find non-alcohol substitutes. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist.
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September 30th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Since alchol is not even listed on the part of the labeled “active ingedients” I which they would get rid of the alcohol in it, or at least as much as they can if it is just needed as a preservative or something … but hey I remember that alcohol was the ONLY thing in most mouthwashes other than sweetner, flavor and coloring! Listerine kicks @$$ if you ask me! It’s the Eucalyptol and stuff …my dentist is amazed at the DRAMATIC improvemet to my 56 year old gums and ALL I changed was to now use lysterine cool mint a few times a da(I not only gargle but I also brush my teeth and gums vigorusly with it held sealed in my moutth …tricky but I can do it with my flexi lips!) It makes my mouth feel SCOURED I don’t care that FDA got their toes stepped on! I bet J&J staged all this on purpose to get busted and then vindicated when some Universities or someone proves their claims are valid! OH FDA will still make em take claims off the label but by then their sales will be through the roof! After May 21 though I won’t care …gulp…I hope!
April 8th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Why is everyone so concerned about the alcohol in mouthwashes, when it’s most likely the sodium sacharin that is probably causing the cancer???