Do you use mouthwash after brushing your teeth? Well, I would like to share with you the article Common Mouthwash Products Boost Risk of Oral Cancer by 900 Percent by David Gutierrez, staff writer, published in NaturalNews.com Our health depends on choices we make, so let us be choice smart.
The use of mouthwash that contains alcohol as an ingredient can drastically increase a person’s risk of cancers of the mouth, head and neck, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Australia‘s University of Melbourne and University of Queensland School of Dentistry.
Researchers studied use of mouthwash among 3,210 people and compared it with rates of mouth, head and neck cancers.
“We see people with oral cancer who have no other risk factors than the use of [mouthwash containing alcohol], so what we’ve done is review all the evidence,” said lead researcher Michael McCullough, chair of the Australian Dental Association’s therapeutics committee,
The researchers found that all participants who used an alcohol-containing mouthwash at least once per day had a significantly increased risk of cancer, independent of other risk factors such as smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages. Among those who both used alcohol-containing mouthwash and regularly drank alcoholic beverages, the risk of cancers of the larynx, pharynx or oral cavity was five times that of people who drank but did not use mouthwash. The risk of cancer in people who smoked and used alcohol-containing mouthwashes was an astonishing nine times that of non-mouthwash-using smokers.
“Since this article, further evidence has come out,” McCullough said. “We believe there should be warnings. If it was a facial cream that had the effect of reducing acne but had a four to fivefold increased risk of skin cancer, no one would be recommending it.”
The body breaks down alcohol, also known as ethanol, into a carcinogenic compound called acetaldehyde. The researchers note that due to the way that mouthwash is swished around, acetaldehyde may thereby accumulate in the oral cavity.
In addition, the researchers believe that alcohol makes mucus membranes more permeable to other chemicals, allowing nicotine and other carcinogens increased access to the body’s tissues.
Let me know what you think about the article and what kind of mouthwash you normally use.
Breathe, smile and be happy.
Irina Wardas, HHC
Women’s Holistic Health, Nutrition and Relationship Expert
Related posts:
- Squash with Mushroom-Kale Ragout Detox Recipe for Cancer Prevention
- Cancer Fighting Cabbage and Soup Recipes
January 25, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Great Article! I am a natural dentist that founded Dr. Hahn’s Naturals many many years ago because of all the poisons in mouthwash. There is no need for alcohol or any other ingredient you can’t spell to be in mouthwash. XyloSalt, my mouthwash, was designed to be the most natural mouthwash available. I tried for years to make a healthy neutral mouthwash that was a liquid, and in short, it is impossible. To preserve the liquid companies add alcohol or other toxic ingredients. That ensures shelf life. What is more important, your health or shelf life? I say health. Hence, XyloSalt is a powder that you place into water and voila, 1 week of ultra healthy mouthwash with zero preservatives! Thanks for bringing this issue up in your blog!
January 31, 2010 at 11:14 am
Christian, glad you agree with me and the article. Your mouthwash sounds interesting – good luck. Breathe, smile and be happy.