Mouthwash Media Statement

12 January 2009

For Immediate release

Media Statement

The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association today reassured consumers about the safety of antiseptic mouthwashes.

A review article published in the Australian Dental Journal and highlighted on TV3 last night explores a speculated link between antiseptic mouthwashes that contain alcohol and an increased risk of oral cancer. [1] However, the paper does not reflect the full body of scientific evidence and adds no new scientific data regarding antiseptic mouthwashes.

The paper draws on a small and selective group of studies and has no established casual relationship between oral cancer and mouthwashes.

A wide range of critical and systematic reviews over many years have failed to show any statistically significant association between mouthwash use and oral cancer. There is nothing in the paper highlighted on TV3 that alters that position.

Mouthwashes continue to play an important role in improving dental hygiene.

“Antiseptic mouthwashes play an important role in helping to reduce gum inflammation and plaque. Most antiseptic mouthwashes contain alcohol and there is no doubt they are effective and safe when used appropriately” said Garth Wyllie Executive Director.

The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association is the peak body for cosmetic products sold in New Zealand and Mouthwashes are controlled under the Cosmetic Group Standard 2008 Regulations of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 which require all cosmetic products to be safe.

The Medicines Act also defined what is a mouthwash and limits its control.

ENDS

[1] McCullough and Farah Australian Dental J. November 2008

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