alcohol on oral health factor for head and neck cancer

[deepdiver]

Researchers from two Australian dental schools reviewed a variety of research projects that investigated the effects of alcohol on oral health. One of those sources included more than 3,200 subjects in a trial that indicated daily mouthwash use might be a significant risk factor for head and neck cancer.

The Australian study concluded: "There is now sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer."

The study notes that several popular mouthwash brands actually have higher alcohol content than beer or wine. The other obvious difference is that beverages are swallowed, but mouthwash is swished throughout the mouth. Lead researcher, Prof. Michael McCullough told The Daily Telegraph that when alcohol permeates the oral cavity, a toxic metabolite called acetaldehyde can accumulate.

Acetaldehyde is the component of alcohol that makes you feel ill after having too much to drink. And far worse, the Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that acetaldehyde is a "probable human carcinogen."

Prof. McCullough's review shows that cigarette smokers who use an alcohol mouthwash daily may have as much as nine times greater risk of oral cancer compared to those who don't use mouthwash. Alcohol drinkers who use alcohol mouthwash daily may also be at considerably greater risk.

Prof. McCullough recommends that alcohol mouthwash should not be used on a regular basis. And better yet: Find a mouthwash that contains no alcohol.
A hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution as a mouthwash twice daily. This is an excellent way to neutralize bacteria that develop along the gum line and contribute to periodontitis (gum disease).
If allowed to build up, bacteria can accumulate in the throat. If the immune system is not functioning at optimum levels, these bacteria may trigger respiratory problems such as pneumonia.
A mouthwash of H2O2 solution is easy to make. Mix one ounce of 35 percent food-grade hydrogen peroxide with 11 ounces of water. For flavoring, a few drops of liquid chlorophyll can be added.
But a word of caution: Do not allow undiluted hydrogen peroxide to come into contact with your skin while mixing the solution.
Sources:
"The Role of Alcohol in Oral Carcinogenesis with Particular Reference to Alcohol- Containing Mouthwashes" Australian Dental Journal, Vol. 53, No. 4, December 2008, interscience.wiley.com
"Mouthwash Linked to Cancer" Clair Weaver, The Daily Telegraph, 1/11/09, news.com.au

[4helen]

Well----the taste is NOT for the faint hearted!!  Think I'll try the H2O2 mixture; maybe chewing oregano to clear the very longgggggg and weird after taste might work....that or find an iglu?!!  For hard core sore throats --bet this tea tree stuff is THE business to gargle with, but it means risking a gag reflex reaction---not sure am brave enough!  : )

[deepdiver]

Pharmaceutical Grade Means 99% Pure

[4helen]

Thx 4 link.  I bought today Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash----alcohol free, pharmaceutical grade (whatever that means?) aussie tree tea oil, flavoured with oil of spearmint-------cheers!

[deepdiver]

http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?Ntk=products&x=9&ss=1&y=5&Ntt=non%20alchol%20mouth%20wash

[4helen]

Very interesting!  I had vaguely heard of this, so it's great to have the references. Am trying to shrink a large follicular neoplasm thyroid nodule at moment, so have cut all alcohol out including mouthwash and floride toothpaste, but didn't have an alternative to mouthwash.  My daughter's orthodontist insists she uses mouthwash, so will switch her to a non-alocohol based asap!  What flavour is liquid cholorphyll and do you know where one can buy this? : )