From a 2008 study, it has been seen that alcohol based mouthwash increase the risk of oral cancer. This study has been printed in the Australian Journal.

The study was published by Professor Michael McCullough of University of Melbourne. It was told by him that the gargling mouthwash that contained alcohol was worse than drinking alcohol.

"With mouthwash, you have a higher level of alcohol and spend a longer time swishing it around your mouth", said McCullough.

Dr. Ansgar Cheng, a prosthodontist with the Specialist Dental Group, explained that alcohol based mouthwash should be used sensibly because it is related to tissue irritation and increases the risk of cancer.

He also mentioned that if the person uses alcohol based mouth wash for a long time, it can make his mouth dry and worsen his bad breath. After the alcohol mouthwash the person experiences odor free breath but it is only for a short period of time.

It was told by Dr. Cheng that most of the products are alcohol based whereas some of them are alcohol free. He also informed that one mouth wash which is alcohol free is Pearlie White's Fluorinze.