As the world is plunged into a second wave of the deadly COVID-19, reports show that mouthwash is able to kill COVID-19 in just 30 seconds. A non-peer-reviewed study conducted by Cardiff University revealed that using mouthwash shows “promising signs” when it came to killing the virus. The results indicated that an average mouthwash contains approximately 0.07 percent cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), this is capable of combatting the virus.
Mouthwash can kill COVID-19 in 30 seconds
The results were found after scientists carried out rigorous testing in the University’s laboratory. A group of scientists mimicked the conditions of a person’s naso/oropharynx passage to see if the virus can be killed with the contents of a mouthwash. The scientists then proceeded to use different mouthwash brands including Dentyl.
Dentyl constitutes the UK- based mouthwash brand to have taken part in the 12-week clinical trial. The clinical trial was headed by Professor David Thomas from Cardiff University. Dr. Thomas told a news agency, “Although this in-vitro study is very encouraging and is a positive step, more clinical research is now clearly needed.” He further said, “We need to understand if the effect of over-the-counter mouthwashes on the Covid-19 virus achieved in the laboratory can be reproduced in patients, and we look forward to completing our clinical trial in early 2021.”
The study titled “The Virucidal Efficacy of Oral Rinse Components Against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro” is yet to be peer-reviewed for validity. This study also provides support to another report published a week ago that found a correlation between mouthwash and Covid-19. The report found that mouthwash is successful in considerably reducing the viral load carried by Covid-19.
Time to stock up on mouthwash?
The next step is conducting a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of an over the counter mouthwash. A range of mouthwashes will be tested to see how well they reduce the levels of Covid-19 in the saliva of a COVID-19 patient. The clinical trial will be held at the Univerity Hospital of Wales located in Cardiff. The results of the clinical trial are expected to be published in the first quarter of 2021.
If positive results are found in Cardiff University’s clinical trial, several CPC-based types of mouthwash such as Dentyl, which was used in the in-vitro study could become an integral part of people’s routine. Dr. Richard Stanton, the lead author of the study said, “This study is not yet peer-reviewed and published which means it has not yet been scrutinized by other scientists as is the usual process with academic research. It has now been submitted for publication in a journal. People should continue to follow the preventive measures issued by the UK government, including washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance.”
Even if the findings of this study turn out to be reliable, it is important to note that mouthwashes will only be able to eliminate the virus contained in saliva. The virus penetrating through the eyes and nose will still remain alive.
