Researchers say mouthwash destroys COVID in 30 seconds'

HEALTH   VIRUS

Scientists at Cardiff University were excited at the lad study in which a mouthwash proved it can kill coronavirus within 30 seconds of exposure. The study is going to be extended to patients at the University Hospital of Wales. 

Dr Claydon, a specialist periodontologist, said if the lab results get reflected in the Cardiff University's clinical trial, mouthwashes could become an important addition to people's routine, together with hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks.

A mouthwash is an antiseptic solution which is held in, swilled around or gaggled in the mouth to reduce the microbial load in the oral cavity. It may also work on analgesic, inflammations or fungal action. Other functions include neutralizing mouth acid, keeping the mouth moist and other cosmetic uses like reducing bad breath and giving the mouth a pleasant taste.

Mouthwashes have different ingredients, common among which is alcohol, added to destroy bacteria and act as a carrier agent for menthol, eucalyptol and thymol which help to penetrate plaque. Another is Cetylpyridinium chloride which helps in controlling bad breath (halitosis). There is also Fluoride, which protects against tooth decay.

According to a report at the University Hospital of Wales, mouthwashes containing at least 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) showed "promising signs" of being able to eradicate the virus when exposed to the virus in a lab.

Mouthwashes on the market in Uganda include Listerine, Colgate, Oral care, Corsodyl and Sonotec. Others are ACT for kids, Therabreath and Biotene. They all have ingredients written on the bottles and it is easy to determine the ones which have at least 0.07% CPC.

The lead author, Dr Richard Stanton, warned that study showed that CPC based mouthwashes can inactivate many viruses including the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus under laboratory conditions that are designed to mimic the oral/nasal cavity in a test tube.

"People should not rush to mouthwashes and discard other SOPs for Coronavirus control because this study is not yet peer-reviewed and published. It which means it has not yet been scrutinised by other scientists as is the usual process with academic research. It has now been submitted for publication in a journal. I urge the public to continue to follow the preventive measures issued by their government, including washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance," he said.

Dr Nick Claydon said while the research suggests the use of mouthwash may help kill the virus in saliva, there is no evidence that it could be used as a treatment for coronavirus, as it will not reach the respiratory tract or the lungs.

A clinical trial will look at whether it helps to reduce levels of the virus in the saliva of Covid-19 patients at the hospital in Cardiff. The results are expected early next year.