Global Patterns, Impact, and Networking in Mouthwash and Cancer: A Scientometric Analysis

This study aimed to explore global research patterns, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution related to mouthwashes and cancer. Through a bibliometric analysis, the study aimed to identify the most influential authors, institutions, and sources, as well as to examine trends within this specific research domain from January 2019 to April 2025.

The bibliometric analysis followed the RAMIBS framework. A systematic search was conducted in the Scopus database on April 8, 2025, using a comprehensive formula combining terms related to mouthwash and cancer. From the 357 initially identified records, 92 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Data extraction encompassed information on publication type, citations, keywords, authorship, and collaboration. The SciVal and Bibliometrix tools were employed for data analysis, enabling advanced network visualization, thematic mapping, and impact evaluation.

The analysis revealed a 6.12% annual growth in scientific output, with 92 articles published in 76 sources. Collaboration was significant, involving 581 authors with an average of 7.02 co-authors per document and 11.96% international collaborations. The key contributors included Nagasaki University, Japan, and Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, India. Influential journals such as Supportive Care in Cancer and Journal of Evidence-based Dental Practice were identified. Thematic evolution revealed a shift from broader topics like "oral hygiene" to more specific areas such as "oral mucositis" and "cancer therapy."

Academic output has been steadily growing, there have been changing collaboration patterns within the field, and a small number of institutions and authors are responsible for the majority of work. There are prominent hubs of academia with several "leading" academic journals that, while still diverse in different regions, have huge impacts on productivity and citations across regions. The study, in addition, captures a clear thematic progression from generic oral hygiene topics to more clinical topics such as mucositis and cancer treatment.

This study holds clear clinical significance by shedding light on global trends and key collaborations in the field of mouthwash and cancer research. Its findings can support the development of more evidence-based clinical guidelines, help optimize product use in oncology patients, and encourage preventive strategies against side effects like oral mucositis. By doing so, it contributes to improving the quality of oral care in cancer therapy settings and enhances overall patient well-being. How to cite this article: Espinoza-Carhuancho F, Huaman-De la Cruz M, Lozano-Castro F, et al. Global Patterns, Impact, and Networking in Mouthwash and Cancer: A Scientometric Analysis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(6):608-614.