A new scientific study on a widely used oral hygiene product reignites the debate on its potentially harmful effects on healthexplains
Daily Mail. Listerine Cool Mint, we all have a bottle at home (or almost), and we use it automatically for fresh breath and a healthy mouth. But could this daily habit hide an unsuspected risk?
Researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, looked into the question. Their conclusions, published recently, throw a wrench in the pond. According to their study, daily use of Listerine Cool Mint for three months would promote the proliferation of two bacteria associated with cancer of the esophagus and colorectal.
Listerine Cool Mint and its effect on the oral microbiota
The study carried out by Professor Chris Kenyon’s team initially aimed to evaluate the impact of daily mouthwash on the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. It was during this work that the researchers made a chance discovery. The 59 participants were divided into two groups: one using Listerine Cool Mint daily for three months, followed by three months with a placebo (a product with no effect), and the opposite for the other group.
By analyzing the oral flora of the participants, the scientists found a notable increase in two specific bacterial species : Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus. These two bacteria have already been associated with the development of certain cancers. The hypothesis put forward by the researchers is that the alcohol contained in Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash could unbalance the oral microbiotathus promoting the proliferation of these potentially harmful bacteria.
Should we permanently abandon mouthwash?
Faced with this question, Professor Kenyon is cautious.
He emphasizes that the study only concerns Listerine Cool Mint and that this work would have to be replicated with other alcohol-based mouthwashes to draw general conclusions.. He also qualifies his remarks by specifying that “most people should not use it“, advising people who want to do so to favor alcohol-free formulas and limit their use to a few days per week.
On the side of the manufacturer, Kenvue, owner of the Listerine brand, we refute the conclusions of the study. The company highlights “lack of important controls in trial design“and considers the methodology insufficient for “draw conclusions about a potential impact on human health“.
A risk to be put into perspective, but an incentive for vigilance
It’s difficult to make a definitive decision based on a single study. Nevertheless, this work revives the debate on the potential side effects of alcohol-based mouthwashes on oral and general health.
Until further research confirms or refutes these results, it may be wise to adopt a reasonable use of mouthwashfavoring alcohol-free formulas and ensuring good daily oral hygiene (careful and regular brushing).
