Dental Journal of Australia Publishes Study Linking Mouthwash to Cancer

The Dental Journal of Australia was not the bearer of good news when it comes to the question if mouthwash, such as Listerine -- commonly hailed an eradicator of bad breath -- could actually be a rinse that leads to oral cancer.

Study Connects Alcohol-Containing Mouthwash to Cancer

The Daily Telegraph reports that an independent study published in the Dental Journal of Australia has found evidence that conclusively connects alcohol-containing mouthwash to the development of oral cancer. Ethanol contained in the mouthwash makes oral mucous membranes easier for cancer causing agents to seep into, and as such the worst offenders are also those considered the most effective at vanquishing bad breath causing bacteria, namely Listerine.

Publisher of the Study Releases Position Statement

If would appear that the notion of connection Listerine and other alcohol containing mouthwashes with oral cancer is too controversial for the Australian Dental Association (ADA) that published the study. This accounts for the position statement it published which points out that directly contradicting studies are also published, causing the ADA to hedge all of its bets and promise to continue giving the latest advice on oral hygiene, and "part of this advice on a case by case basis may involve the use of antiseptic mouthwashes."

2003 American Study Funded by Warner-Lambert Company Finds No Cancer Risk

A 2003 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association finds that there "use of alcohol containing mouthwash does not increase the risk of oropharyngeal cancer."

Although reassuring, it is noteworthy that the study received funding from Warner-Lambert Company. Moreover, one of the physicians conducting the study was employed by Warner-Lambert Company. The latter, of course, was the original developer and owner of Listerine brand mouthwash, and merged in 2000 with Pfizer.

Consumers Jaded at the Listerine Mouthwash Oral Cancer Risk Allegations

Reactions to the Listerine mouthwash and oral cancer risk allegations by Daily Telegraph readers are telling. Accusing the paper of having a slow news day or opting for sensational headlines versus very real reporting mix and mingle with reminders of debunked studies, such as the red wine health scare. It would appear that consumers have given up taking health news seriously, especially in light of so many contradicting studies finding publication.

Sources: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24896583-5001021,00.html; http://www.ada.org.au/App_CmsLib/Media/Lib/0901/M152901_v1_633673622334976249.pdf; http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/134/8/1079; http://www.pfizer.com/about/history/pfizer_warner_lambert.jsp