Port Neches, TX
A 36-year-old male asked:
Is non alcohol listerine just as good for your teeth and gums as listerine with alcohol bec i hear alcohol listerine causes oral cancer?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 41 years experience
Mouthwash: Mouthwash is an adjunct product in maintaining your overall oral health, and it is still debated if their use is absolutely necessary. Proper brushing and flossing is more essential. I do not like to endorse products, so I'll advise you the same way I do my patients: use the product that you feel most comfortable with.. it's hard to say what's better or just as good.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Diane Minichanswered
Family Medicine 38 years experience
Non-alcohol: mouthwash is just as effective as mouthwash with alcohol. you also need to brush and floss. I have never heard of mouthwash causing cancer.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Gary Sandleranswered
Dentistry 55 years experience
In my opinion: Mouth rinses are not an essential part of good oral hygiene. Proper tooth brushing and flossing is. To my knowledge no study has shown amount of alcohol in Listerine causes cancer. Always a good idea to err on the side of caution. Most major brands of rinses similarly effective.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 26, 2014
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.