Reviewed evidence about the safety of the daily use of alcohol-based mouthrinses

Abstract

Current scientific knowledge provides clear evidence that alcohol-based mouthwashes can be beneficial in a daily oral health routine, including dental hygiene and plaque control. Several issues are worth discussing, in spite of the wealth of supporting evidence. Despite some undesirable effects to some people, like burning sensation, and some contraindications, like the use by infants, alcohol addicts and patients with mucosal injuries, there is no reason to avoid the use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes as long as they are used following proper guidance by dental professionals and the manufacturers' instructions. The alleged correlation between oral cancer and alcohol-based mouthrinses presents so little, weak, inconsistent and even contradictory evidence in the literature that any kind of risk warning to patients would be uncalled for. Antimicrobial mouthrinses are safe and effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis, and should be part of a comprehensive oral health care regimen that includes brushing, flossing and rinsing to prevent or minimize periodontal disease.

Self-performed supragingival biofilm control: qualitative analysis, scientific basis and oral-health implications

“…91 The ethanol present in mouthrinses does not contain the carcinogens found in alcoholic beverages, and ethanol has never been demonstrated to be carcinogenic either in laboratory animals or in humans. 92,90 Therefore, the literature does not support dentists' concerns observed in the present survey.…”

“…In relation to alcohol-containing mouthrinses, there is no scientific evidence to support the professionals' concern. Lemos Jr and Villoria 90 reviewed the literature and concluded that alcohol-containing mouthrinses are safe and should be part of a comprehensive oral health care regimen. The same conclusions were demonstrated in a systematic review published by Silverman and Wilder.…”

Oral cancer public policies: is there any evidence of impact?

“…Mass-media approaches and oral cancer secondary preven-tion should be targeted to those at most risk of oral cancer. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] These individuals are described as very unlikely to become regular dental attendees.…”

“…Although most information relies yet on biological plausibility, some authors call attention to mouthrinse adequate and proper indications. 6 Some authors have reported that the effect of socioeconomic status on oral cancer is given little recognition in a predominantly medical model approach to research and prevention on the risks of the disease. A paper published in 2008 summarizes results from studies which had included this variable as an outcome or an independent predictor.…”

Alcohol-free essential oils containing mouthrinse efficacy on three-day supragingival plaque regrowth: a randomized crossover clinical trial

“…The alcohol content of mouthrinses, besides having antiseptic properties, serves the purpose of breaking down or dissolving active principles, in addition to that of preserving the formula components, although such content does not directly contribute to effective biofilm and gingivitis control [5]. However, there are some contraindications in the use of alcohol-based mouthrinses, like the use by infants, pregnant women, alcohol addicts, and patients with mucosal injuries.…”