Mouthwash inactivates Covid-19 in 30 secs, tests show

  DUBAI – New research suggests that antiseptic mouthwash products from pharmacies could reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission, according to reports on Monday (August 17). Laboratory tests have found that some over-the-counter mouthwash products contain compounds that can inactivate the coronavirus in only 30 seconds. Clinical trials are now under way to confirm the effectiveness of using mouthwash to guard against coronavirus. A study published recently in the Journal of Infectious Diseases makes a case for commonly used mouthwashes in fighting Covid-19. According to the latest findings, gargling with mouthwash solutions may help “inactivate” coronavirus in the mouth and throat, which can help lessen the spread of infection. The study, however, made it clear that using mouthwashes is not a guaranteed treatment for coronavirus. Currently, there is yet no approved vaccine or preventive cure for Covid-19.

Germany tests 8 over-the-counter mouthwashes vs Covid-19

In Germany, researchers from various universities have carried out the first study of the effectiveness of using mouthwash in protecting people from coronavirus. Researchers tested eight commercial products available in pharmacies against virus particles in throat-swabs taken from infected Covid-19 patients. The mouthwash was mixed with the virus and a substance to mimic saliva and shaken for 30 seconds. Tests revealed all the products reduced the amount of active Covid-19. However, three products proved especially effective, reducing the amount of virus by about 99.9 per cent. The products are Dequonal, Iso-Betadine and Listerine Cool Mint. Their active compounds are, respectively, dequalinium chloride plus benzalkonium chloride, povidone-iodine, and ethanol plus essential oils. The tests showed that each of the three was effective even with different strains of the virus. Publishing their findings in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the researchers conclude that the findings “provide evidence that Sars-CoV-2 can be efficiently inactivated by commercially available oral rinses within short exposure times of 30 seconds”. Gargling mouthwash, however, cannot stop the virus once it has entered the body, so it is not a cure for anyone who is already infected with Covid-19. However, scientists believe that using a mouthwash could play a key role in blocking the main route of transmission. Scientists say gargling with antiseptic mouthwash could be a simple Covid-19 safeguard, just like the wearing of facemasks, and can be an important measure in controlling the pandemic until effective vaccines become widely available. ICA/Expat Media
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