Listerine cancer concern: Scientists claim mouthwash ‘could raise risk of disease’

A popular mouthwash ‘could increase the risk of cancer’, a scientist has claimed.

Researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, found two species of bacteria linked to cancer were more prevalent after three months of daily mouthwash use.

Using Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash every day could raise the risk of developing oesophageal and colorectal cancer, their study claimed.

It is believed alcohol in the mouthwash may increase the level of bacteria inside the mouth. Professor Chris Kenyon told the Daily Telegraph the mouthwash ‘could increase [the] risk of cancer and various infections’.

He added: ‘Most people should not be using it.’

While the experiment only included Listerine, Professor Kenyon said similar levels of bacteria would likely be found after using other alcohol-based mouthwashes.

A spokesman for Kenvue, which owns Listerine, said: ‘Based on our initial review, the published trial lacks several important design controls and adequate rigour to make any conclusions about potential impact to human health.’