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Can Gargling Mouthwash Help Kill Coronavirus?

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Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a lot of experts across the world have suggested some possible measures to curb the spread of the virus. While a few have been effective to limit the spread, we’re yet to see anyone that’s effective to stop the virus. However, some scientists are already claiming that there might be a way to kill coronavirus. According to them, there’s a need for urgent research to know whether or not mouthwash can kill coronavirus.

Can Gargling Mouthwash Be Effective To Kill Coronavirus?

According to a peer-reviewed study led by a professor at Cardiff University, there’s a possibility that oral hygiene products, mouthwash can be effective to kill coronavirus.

The study, which was published in a science journal on Thursday, made reference to some research in the past that demonstrated mouthwash as being effective to damage the membrane of some viruses.

In the study, the authors pointed out that Sars-Cov-2 is an enveloped virus with a lipid, or fatty, membrane. They added that it’s uncertain whether or not damaging the membrane of the coronavirus would be effective in stopping its replication in the throat. Although researches have it in the past that mouthwash is effective to kill viruses, there hasn’t been any research to show whether it can help to kill coronavirus.

The Need For Urgent Research To Determine The Effectiveness Of Mouthwash

According to the led author of the study, Professor Valerie O’Donnell, gargling mouthwash hasn’t officially been considered by public healthcare experts in the UK for coronavirus. However, he added that some clinical researchers have argued that some existing mouthwashes contain virucidal ingredients, necessary to tackle lipid membranes of other viruses.

“What we don’t know yet is whether existing mouthwashes are active against the lipid membrane of Sars-CoV-2,” Valerie said. He further added: “Our review of the literature suggests that research is needed as a matter of urgency to determine its potential for use against this new virus.”

While we wait for potential researches, the authors have urged everyone to continue following the coronavirus guidelines laid down.

What Is Mouthwash?

A mouthwash is different from the usual twice-daily brushing of the teeth. While its main function is to freshen breath, it can also help to fix a few things. One of them includes protecting the teeth against acid caused by plaque bacteria. Apart from that, it can also help to attack viruses, especially those in the throat, and stop them from replicating.

 

Furthermore, there exist different types of mouthwashes, depending on their ethanol content ranging from 14% to 27%. Since researches confirm that ethanol is effective to kill SARS and MERS, it’s now up to researchers to check whether or not mouthwash can kill coronavirus.

[Read Full Study Here]

About the author

Jike Eric

Jike Eric has completed his degree program in Chemical Engineering. Jike covers Business and Tech news on Insider Paper.







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