Survey of Mouthwash Use

Objectives

To determine the degree of correlation between mouthwash use and cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. It had been suggested that confounding by the latter factors is the explanation for the putative association between mouthwash use and oropharyngeal cancer, because mouthwash use is more common among smokers and drinkers.

Methods

A nationwide population-based telephone survey was conducted. Detailed information was obtained on mouthwash use in the preceding three months, cigarette smoking and other tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, and demographic details. The large number of subjects allowed a detailed analysis of the correlation between mouthwash use and the other factors, both overall and among subgroups (e.g., according to age and sex).

Results

The analysis showed that there was a correlation between the factors, supporting the possibility of confounding in the earlier studies.