Oral Health, Mouthwashes and Cancer – What is the Story?

David Conway

Question: What are the lifestyle, occupational and genetic risk factors for head and neck and oesophageal cancers?

Risk factors for head and neck cancer, independent of tobacco use and alcohol consumption, were as follows:

poor condition of the mouth, 2.89
lack of toothbrush use 2.36
and daily mouthwash use, 3.40
Missing six to 15 teeth was an independent risk factor for oesophageal cancer, 2.84

These results indicate that periodontal disease (as indicated by poor condition of the mouth and missing teeth) and daily mouthwash use may be independent causes of cancers of the head, neck and oesophagus.

Evidence-Based Dentistry (2009)