Surgeon issues scary warning to those who use mouthwash regularly: "Some early evidence..."

Mouthwash is considered by a large number of people across the globe as an essential part of dental care routines. However, it has now been reported that not all mouthwashes are safe and there are some things to keep in mind before including one into the daily routine. British surgeon Karan Rajan cautioned about the possible dangers of several mouthwashes on his podcast. He claimed that one type of mouthwash might raise the chance of getting a certain type of cancer.

The NHS worker emphasized the importance of checking labels and choosing alcohol-free products. He stated, "People shouldn't be using alcoholic [mouthwash] if they don't need to. We are increasingly appreciating that we have an oral microbiome, and these can be affected by alcohol." Dr. Rajan also clarified that mouthwashes that contain alcohol can interfere with essential functions by destroying the natural bacteria in the mouth. As reported by The Mirror, he clarified that the good bacteria in one's mouth are essential for maintaining the health of the teeth and gums, improving breath, and even aiding in digestion.

Unlike alcoholic beverages, mouthwashes pack a stronger concentration of alcohol that stays in contact with the teeth and gums much longer. Swishing it around twice every day increases the exposure, raising the risk of developing serious health problems over time. Rajan continued, “Some early evidence suggesting that chronic mouthwash use has been linked, from a correlation point of view to increasing rates of colorectal cancers because of that disrupted oral microbiome." Regular use of alcohol-based mouthwash can lead to a range of problems over time, such as a burning sensation in the mouth, mucosal pain, stained teeth, and ulcers. During Dr. Rajan's podcast, he also sat down with American dental hygienist Whitney DiFoggio to discuss these concerns.

She said, "You don't need a mouthwash. Manually brushing the plaque and debris from your teeth with a toothbrush with something to get between your teeth as well as [covering] the fronts, backs, tops, and bottoms is what you need." Additionally, since mouthwash can remove the fluoride from toothpaste, it is advised to not use it immediately after brushing. If people decide to use mouthwash, it's recommended to use it after having a meal, such as lunch. Moreover, they must wait at least half an hour before eating or drinking anything. Alcohol acts as a carrier for the mouthwash's active components as well as a preservative.

Despite these warnings, not everyone will face the same side effects from mouthwash, and the likelihood of experiencing these issues varies depending on the formula. Some individuals enjoy the tingling sensation from alcohol-based mouthwashes, while for others, it can feel more like a painful burn. Meanwhile, certain mouthwashes also contain up to 25 percent alcohol, intensifying this sensation, as reported by Healthline. It was also reported that a 2016 study found that those who use mouthwash regularly might have a slightly higher risk of developing head and neck cancers compared to those who don’t use mouthwash.