Can Alcohol Intake from Mouthwash be Measured in Epidemiological Studies? Development and Validation of Mouthwash Use Questionnaire with Particular Attention to Measuring Alcohol Intake from Mouthwash

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop and validate the mouthwash use questionnaire to determine the lifetime exposure to alcohol from mouthwash and verify that it was suitable for use in general population.Material and MethodsData were available from three consecutive studies, all collecting information on mouthwash use. In addition, supermarkets and online stores were screened for the brands of mouthwash they sold. Alcohol content of mouthwash was identified from various sources, including laboratory measurements. Alcohol-containing mouthwash use was converted to glasses of wine equivalent.ResultsMouthwash was used by 62% of the participants, and the main benefits reported were refreshment of bad breath (75%), elimination of bacteria (68%) and reduction of plaque formation (47%). Majority mouthwashes used by the participants contained alcohol (61%). Life-time exposure from alcohol in mouthwash was relatively small for most of the study participants: 79% had rinsed for less than one year with alcohol equivalent of one glass of wine per day. There was substantial agreement in mouthwash reporting between different occasions (Kappa > 0.62).ConclusionsThe questionnaire can be used to investigate mouthwash use in the general population and to measure alcohol intake from mouthwash.

Use of mouthwashes in patients with oral and oropharynx cancer

“…As in the study of Wirth et al 20 , our study also questioned the reason for using mouthwash. The most prevalent reason was cleaning, reported by 15 patients, whereas improving breath was the reason given by 3 patients; 2 patients said they used mouthwashes to mask the odor of cigarettes.…”

“…Two patients used mouthwash with the purpose of treating the lesion. On the other hand, for Wirth et al 20 , the main benefits reported were improving bad breath (75%), elimination of bacteria (68%), and reduction in plaque formation (47%).…”

Translating mouthwash use for gonorrhoea prevention into a public health campaign: identifying current knowledge and research gaps

“…Although none of the manufacturers recommend their consumers dilute their mouthwash for best use (Table 1), it is estimated that a small proportion of individuals (7%) in the general population in the UK dilute their mouthwash for use. 48 A small pilot study on 10 MSM showed no individual (0%) diluted their mouthwash. 42 The way mouthwash is used will also influence what areas it reaches.…”

“…60 Most mouthwash users use mouthwash to prevent bad breath or avoid tooth decay. 48,57 There are very few studies examining mouthwash use in specific populations that are stratified by sexual risk. One study in Melbourne reported 32% of MSM used mouthwash daily.…”

“…a mouthwash was defined as 20 mL in the survey). 48 Keukenmeester et al compared the different volumes of mouthwash for rinsing and they concluded that 15 mL of mouthwash appears to be the most acceptable and comfortable volume for each use. 68…”