A recent study published in the Australian Dental Journal has indicated that ethanol-based mouthwashes may increase the risk of developing oral cancer. The paper by Professor Michael McCullough of the University of Melbourne recommends against long term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes.

Dr. Ansgar Cheng, Consultant Prosthodontist at Specialist Dental Group and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore, was quoted in a New Paper interview on the topic.

According to Dr. Cheng, Specialist Dental Group does not recommend that patients use mouthwash on a regular basis but only as indicated for their dental condition and only for a specific period of time, e.g. for patients recovering from oral surgery or having other oral problems. If patients are required to use mouthwashes, they are usually recommended a non alcohol-based mouthwash.”

Mouthwashes should be regarded as a topical application of medical substance – Professional common sense dictates that prescriptions of any medication should be prudent and specific to address a certain clinical situation with a specific clinical outcome in mind,” said Dr. Cheng.