Australian researchers have linked alcohol, an ingredient found in many mouthwashes, to oral cancer and are calling for them to be pulled immediately from supermarket shelves. The review, published in the Dental Journal of Australia, says there is �sufficient evidence� that �alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer.�

The alcohol is believed to allow carcinogenic substances to enter the lining of the mouth more easily. In addition, acetaldehyde, which is a toxic byproduct of alcohol that can build up in the mouth when mouthwash is swished around, is also thought to cause cancer.

Some brands, such as Listerine, contain over 25 percent alcohol.
Lead author Professor Michael McCullough believes mouthwashes that contain alcohol should be available only by prescription. McCullough, who is chair of the Australian Dental Association is urging the ADA to consider withdrawing their seal of approval for mouthwashes that contain alcohol. (The American Dental Association also gives mouthwashes containing alcohol its seal of approval.)

�We see people with oral cancer who have no other risk factors than the use of alcohol-containing mouthwash,� he told News.com.au. McCullough�s review found that using alcohol-containing mouthwashes daily raised the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx 400 to 500 percent. Those who smoked and used alcohol mouthwashes had a 900 percent increase in risk.

McCullough believes mouthwashes are more risky than alcohol or beer because they usually contain higher concentrations of alcohol than wine or beer and are kept in the mouth longer. �If you have a glass of wine, you tend to swallow it,� he said. �With mouthwash, you have a higher level of alcohol and spend longer swishing it around your mouth. The alcohol that is present in your mouth is turned into acetaldehyde.�

McCullough recommends switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash.

I've been encouraged to use Listerine by my dentist for gum disease. He said it was the "oils" in it that made it so effective. Does using peroxide or a different mouthwash make sense

You can now get an alcohol free Listerine mouthwash.

Listerine - Mouthwash - Alcohol-Free, Fresh Mint Flavor, 32 oz

True. However, be aware that the original Listerine contains the following Active Ingredients:

Eucalyptol 0.092%
Menthol 0.042%
Methyl salicylate 0.060%
Thymol 0.064%

The new Alcohol Free product contains none of those!

That aside, swishing your mouth for 30 seconds once or twice a day (after having flossed thoroughly and brushed to remove all food particles from the teeth and gums) with over the counter strength Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) will usually clear up newly acquired gum problems within one to two weeks. Long standing conditions may take longer. Another product which often works well for gum conditions is Olive Leaf Extract (standardized to at least 18% is best). Essentially, it's a natural antibiotic. The book to read is by Dr. Morton Walker, D.P.M.: Dr. Morton Walker :: Alternative Therapies to Improve Whole Health - Holistic, Healing, Life, Health, Natural, Remedies and more.
However for some free information go here (for tooth/gum disease and dental related infections see the section entitled, "Bacterial Infections" two-thirds of the way down the page): The healing effects of olive leaves
Two good selections for the product are: Swanson Superior Herbs Olive Leaf Extract Super Strength 750 mg 60 Caps - Swanson Health Products
and
Lifewise Naturals - Directory
The key is to take enough. However, be aware of the Herxheimer Effect: Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction; healing crisis
Also when taking Olive leaf Extract, it would be wise to take a good Probiotic supplement to ensure that your friendly bacteria levels remain high. See the thread on Probiotics.

Another supplement which has been helpful for some in combatting gum disease is COQ10: Gum Disease - Health, Nutrition, Medicine, Vitamins, Herbs, Natural Healing: Articles

For some unknown reason, the Lifewise Naturals Link, for their 18% oleuropein Olive Leaf Extract, six lines up from the bottom in my above Post has been changed to something totally unrecognizable by someone or by some electronic anomaly since I originally posted it. Here is the Link as originally posted, which still functions properly:

https://www.lifewise.com/Products/236...eaf+Extract+18+