Q&A: Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation

Published on Tuesday 13 January 2009 19:08

The chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation urges the public not to panic after a study suggests a link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and mouth cancers.

How concerned should people be about this research suggesting a link between mouthwashes containing alcohol and oral cancer?

I don't think they should be concerned at all. The quality of the review paper is that it is very small and very selective. There is no new research in it and it is far less thorough than other reviews that have taken place.

Should people continue to use mouthwash for dental health reasons and when should they be using it?

Absolutely. They can use it morning and night or once a day depending on what level of gum disease they have got. They should take their dentist's recommendation. We wouldn't have any worries about the alcohol content. It is a question of not overdoing it and it being used as directed.

What problems can people avoid by using mouthwash?

It can help with the control of plaque, particularly in relation to gum disease. They should not just be used as a breath freshener, but as part of an overall oral hygiene routine where you are also using floss or inter-dental brushes and then using mouthwash as a means of plaque control.

Do we need more research on possible links to cancer?

There is more research going on and certainly more is needed before coming to a firm conclusion.

Do you think the research will lead to falling sales of mouthwashes?

I think there will be a short-term effect on sales, but I imagine it will not last long. It may lead to some people switching to mouthwashes without alcohol in them.