Cole P et al (2003)

ALCOHOL—CONTAINING MOUTHWASH AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER: A REVIEW OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGY¹

Objective
To review epidemiological studies investigating whether the use of alcohol—containing mouthrinses (ACM) increases the risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).

Methods
In this review, the authors examined nine English-language epidemiologic studies of OPC and ACM. They also reanalyzed data from one of the studies.

Results
Six of the nine studies reviewed were negative, showing no indication of increased risk of OPC. One of the three studies with positive results was later determined in a reanalysis of data to not support a causal relationship.

Conclusions
The weight of the evidence strongly suggests that use of ACM does not increase the risk of OPC. Practicing dentists may recommend to their patients that they use the mouthwashes of their choice, including those that contain alcohol.

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REFERENCES

1. Cole P, Rodu B, Mathisen A. Alcohol-containing mouthwash and oropharyngeal cancer: a review of the epidemiology. J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134:1079-1087.