Carlos Werner

Saturday 5th March: 16.45-17.30
Are alcohol containing mouthwashes safe? Should they be prescribed/recommended to patients?

Alcohol (ethanol) is a constituent of many proprietary mouthwashes.  Some studies have shown that regular use of such mouthwashes can increase the risk of developing oral cancer and evidence has been reviewed by two separate groups. The conclusions from these reviews are conflicting.

This presentation evaluates the epidemiological evidence linking alcohol containing mouthwashes with increased risk of oral cancer and compares the efficacy of alcohol versus non-alcohol mouthwashes. The association between alcohol and oral cancer seems equivocal. On the other hand, the alcohol component of mouthwashes affords little additional benefit to the other active ingredients in terms of plaque and gingivitis control. In view of the hypothetical risk of oral cancer and little additional benefit of alcohol in mouthwashes, it would seem prudent that members of the dental team recommend non-alcohol mouthwashes.

Biography

Carlos Werner BDS – UFRJ Rio de Janeiro, MSc in Dental Public Health – UCL London and DrPH in Public Health – UofMichigan Ann Arbor. Board certified in Dental Public Health in the UK (diploma RCS Eng), US (ADA) and Brazil (Federal Dental Council). Residency certificates in Dental Public Health and Geriatric Dentistry from the UofTexas, San Antonio. Lecturer in Dental Public Health since 1994, currently working at the Newcastle School of Dentistry as Clinical Lecturer and Dental Public Health course leader. Dental Public Health Advisor at the NHS Teesside PCT in 2010. Part time associate GDP after 2010 GDC certification (Overseas Registration Examination). Academic works and publications cover the areas of Preventive Products, Dental Education, Geriatric Dentistry, Epidemiology and Planning of Preventive Dental Programmes.