Alcohol-Containing Mouthwash and the Risk of Oral Cancer: Exploring the Association

Overview

Journal Indian J Surg Oncol

Specialty Oncology

Date 2024 Sep 6

PMID 39239449

Authors

Karthik Nagaraja Rao

Rupa Mehta

Prajwal Dange

Nitin M Nagarkar

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Oral cavity and larynx cancers are generally associated with tobacco consumption, alcohol abuse or both. Mouthwashes are liquid antiseptic solutions that decrease the microbial load in the oral cavity. Alcohol is often used in mouthwashes for its antiseptic functions and as a carrier for some active ingredients, including menthol or thymol, helping them penetrate the plaque. There is some evidence for alcohol-containing mouthwash use which is associated with the potential risk of developing carcinoma of oral cavity. The results are inconclusive, as actual mouthwash use patterns may be inconsistent and cannot be easily quantified. Based on the available data, there is no sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that the use of mouthwashes containing alcohol can influence the development of oral cancer.

Citing Articles

Does Mouthwash Use Affect Oral Cancer Risk? A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

M Madawana A, Awang Nawi M, Tang L, Hassan A, Khamis M Cureus. 2025; 17(1):e77123.

PMID: 39925579 PMC: 11803482. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.77123.

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