A review article has concluded that there is now "sufficient evidence" that "alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer".
Acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol that can accumulate in the mouth, is believed to be carcinogenic and could be the cause of the problem.
The lead author of the review, Professor Michael McCullough, an associate professor of oral medicine at the University of Melbourne, said that that alcohol-containing mouthwash should be reclassified as prescription-only and should carry written health warnings.
Sources:
News.com.au January 11, 2009
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