Scientists claim popular mouthwash could increase cancer risk and 'must not be used daily'

Listerine has been linked to bacteria found in two types of cancer (Image: Getty) Scientists have raised concerns over a popular brand of mouth-wash found in most bathroom cabinets. Experts claim the daily use of Listerine , particularly the Cool Mint flavor, could increase the risk of two deadly cancers . They advise against its everyday use.

A recent study revealed that daily gargling with Listerine Cool Mint significantly increased the levels of two types of bacteria in the mouth, both of which have been linked to esophageal and colorectal cancer. The study, conducted by scientists from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium , found that the alcohol in the mouthwash disrupts the normal bacterial balance in the mouth. After three months of daily use, levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus were found to be much higher.

These bacteria have been associated with esophageal and bowel cancer. function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.

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