Australian health experts have issued a warning that top-selling mouthwashes can cause oral cancer. They have urged to pull this off the shelves.
The experts issued the warning after investigating latest scientific evidence linking alcohol-containing mouthwashes to the deadly disease.
The investigation concludes that there is now sufficient evidence’ that “alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer.”
The mouthwash contains ethanol, which is believed to allow cancer-causing substances to permeate the lining of the mouth more easily and cause harm.
Acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol that may accumulate in the oral cavity when swished around the mouth, is also believed to be carcinogenic.
Listerine contains as much as 26 percent alcohol.
Lead review author Michael Mc-Cullough said alcohol-containing mouthwash should be reclassified as prescription-only and must carry written health warnings.
