(NaturalNews) The use of mouthwashes that contain alcohol as an ingredient can drastically increase a person's risk of cancers of the mouth, head and neck, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Australia's University of Melbourne and University of Queensland School of Dentistry.

Researchers studied use of mouthwash among 3,210 people and compared it with rates of mouth, head and neck cancers.

"We see people with oral cancer who have no other risk factors than the use of [mouthwash containing alcohol], so what we've done is review all the evidence," said lead researcher Michael McCullough, chair of the Australian Dental Association's therapeutics committee,

The researchers found that all participants who used an alcohol-containing mouthwash at least once per day had a significantly increased risk of cancer, independent of other risk factors such as smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages. Among those who both used alcohol-containing mouthwash and regularly drank alcoholic beverages, the risk of cancers of the larynx, pharynx or oral cavity was five times that of people who drank but did not use mouthwash. The risk of cancer in people who smoked and used alcohol-containing mouthwashes was an astonishing nine times that of non-mouthwash-using smokers.

"Since this article, further evidence has come out," McCullough said. "We believe there should be warnings. If it was a facial cream that had the effect of reducing acne but had a four to fivefold increased risk of skin cancer, no one would be recommending it."

The body breaks down alcohol, also known as ethanol, into a carcinogenic compound called acetaldehyde. The researchers note that due to the way that mouthwash is swished around, acetaldehyde may thereby accumulate in the oral cavity.

In addition, the researchers believe that alcohol makes mucus membranes more permeable to other chemicals, allowing nicotine and other carcinogens increased access to the body's tissues.

Sources for this story include: news.scotsman.com.

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"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~Immanual Kant~

I noticed from the TV ads that the Listerine folks finally made their non-alcohol readily available in the stores. I've tried an Xyliwhite brand, and hated all the menthol in it. Noticed that a lot of the 'natural' brands have menthol. Using some tea tree mouthwash now, but don't like the taste of that one either.

Anyone using a more natural store-bought mouthwash that they really like?

Listerine switched out one poison for another! They removed the alcohol in their 'Listerine Zero' and replaced it with SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE!!

Crap... I use Listerine... I only use it once daily though.... Man.... What the hell can we do nowadays? EVERYTHING is bad for you

We can't just go out and chew twigs like they did in the olden days.. That's not very hygienic either you know. Yeah, the alcohol free mouth washes all have different XYZ chemicals in them.

I've been using natural mouthwashes from the health food store, but they are expensive.

Why not try colloidal silver? Been using it since July on a daily basis and my tooth infections have stopped!

Make it yourself - https://www.silverwell.com.au/

Great site! Left hand column for the D-I-Y CS Generator Plans.

Been making my own CS for over 10 yrs and have only positive accounts to report. If I'm honest though, I have not utilized CS enough!

The 'controversies' page was interesting to read from your link.

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Probably been drinking colloidal silver for over 12 yrs, maybe nearer to 14 yrs after doing some quick maths! Am I blue ? No ! The most CS I've drank in a day is 2 pints, with no side effects! I make my CS from filtered water, don't add anything to it! Adding salt or baking powder is not recommended - see the man who turned blue!

My friends receive CS free, and they are more than satisfied with the results. My pets have benefited too, as have my plants! If you make CS at home and don't add baking powder or salt, and use either purified, distilled or use a good quality home filter system then you'll be fine!

After 12-14 yrs I am still as white as a glass of milk!!! Whereas Big Pharmas pills and potions have caused injuries and deaths galore!

I was in our local pharmacy the other day and the pharmacist tried to push the flu vaccine - I laughed and said no chance! Have you checked whats in it? And then told her I've not had a cold/flu for over 12-14 yrs!

The Mercola xylitol mouthwash doesn't taste bad at all, although it is odd when you spit to see that it is brown.

Couple drops of oregano oil works pretty well to freshen breath.

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I'd rather meander for the prevention than race for the cure.

2 best mouthwashes in the world: diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide, and wheatgrass juice. Peppermint and oregano oil are also very effective.

Very good suggestion. Occasionally use the hydrogen peroxide. Will also try the peppermint and oregano oil.

Thanks

A mouthwash I like is peppermint "Mouth Fresh" from NutriBiotic. They advertise that it freshens breath, promotes healthy gums, and soothes sore throats. It's formulated with grapefruit seed extract, aloe vera, and zinc. It does contain menthol.