New Mouthwash Claims To Kill Coronavirus In 30 Seconds In Lab, Says Study
A team of scientists from Cardiff University have found promising results in a test to determine if over-the-counter dental products are effective against COVID-19. In their lab experiments the researchers found that mouthwashes that contain at least 007 percent cetypyridinium chloride could finish coronavirus within 30 seconds of exposure.
A team of scientists from Cardiff University have found promising results in a test to determine if over-the-counter dental products are effective against COVID-19.
The results come as the most recent proof in support of the new idea to fight the spread of COVID-19.
The new preliminary report by the team mentions "promising signs'' of fighting COVID-19 with the use of mouthwash. In their lab experiments, the researchers found that mouthwashes that contain at least 0.07 percent cetypyridinium chloride (CPC) could finish coronavirus within 30 seconds of exposure to it.
¡°During a 30 second exposure, two rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride and a third with ethanol/ethyl lauroyl arginate eliminated live virus to EN14476 standards (>4-log10 reduction), while others with ethanol/essential oils and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) eliminated virus by 2-3-log10,¡± the study mentions.
Called The Virucidal Efficacy of Oral Rinse Components Against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro, the report is yet to be peer reviewed. It does, however, support the pre-existing notion that such mouthwashes can kill the viral load of COVID-19. A study with similar findings was also published last week.
Do we know for sure?
Following the results from the study, the scientists have called for a need to further research the data. For this, a clinical trial is taking place that will look for the levels of the virus in the saliva of COVID-19 patients and the effect of mouthwash on the same.
Results from this trial are expected early next year. There is, however, a limitation to the studies and trials. It cannot be determined if an increased use of mouthwash can reduce the transmission of the disease between patients.
Prof David Thomas from the university and an author of the study, said "whilst these mouthwashes very effectively eradicate the virus in the laboratory, we need to see if they work in patients and this is the point of our ongoing clinical study."
"It is important to point out the study won't give us any direct evidence on viral transmission between patients, that would require a different type of study on a much larger scale,¡± he added. "The ongoing clinical study will, however, show us how long any effects last, following a single administration of the mouthwash in patients with COVID-19."