Mouthwash and COVID-19: Insights You Need
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, a new frontier is emerging: mouthwash. Recent studies suggest that certain mouthwashes may help reduce the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in the oral cavity, potentially lowering the risk of transmission and disease progression.
Chlorhexidine-based mouthwashes show the most direct evidence for this effect. Meta-analyses of trials involving approximately 722 patients indicate a significant reduction in viral load and risk of disease progression with chlorhexidine use. One meta-analysis even showed a 71% lower risk for progression or cases [5].
Another study focused on a mouthwash containing 0.05% CPC combined with 0.05% chlorhexidine digluconate. This mouthwash demonstrated a significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load and infectivity shortly (30 minutes) after use. However, these effects were observed only in the short term, and long-term clinical benefits remain unclear [5].
Other antiseptic mouthwash types, such as postbiotic-glycerol monolaurate mouthwash, have shown effective biofilm eradication against bacteria. However, their antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 were not specifically addressed [1].
While these findings are promising, it's important to note that the overall data remain limited. Most studies have small sample sizes and focus on short-term viral load studies rather than outcomes like infection prevention or treatment efficacy [5][3][1].
It's also worth mentioning that the salivary glands and throat are important sites of virus transmission and replication in the early stages of COVID-19. This suggests that using mouthwash could be a helpful tool for preventing the spread of the virus [6].
However, it's crucial to remember that mouthwash is not a standalone preventive or therapeutic agent for COVID-19. Further research is necessary to make conclusive statements about its effectiveness against the virus [4].
As the pandemic continues, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting fully vaccinated, self-isolating if infected, wearing masks in public spaces, washing hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, staying 6 feet away from others, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, getting tested if necessary, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated areas, taking precautions when traveling, and wearing masks when not fully vaccinated in indoor public settings.
In conclusion, while mouthwash may temporarily prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during dental procedures, it does not affect the virus in primary spots such as the nasal passages, which may reinfect the throat. As of now, research suggests that using mouthwash may be a useful supplementary measure in the fight against COVID-19, but it should not replace other proven preventive strategies.
References:
- Dental Hygiene Journal
- Journal of Medical Virology
- Journal of Infectious Diseases
- World Health Organization
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Science Direct
- The predictive potential of oralhealth products like mouthwash, particularly those containing chlorhexidine, is emerging in the medical-conditions context, such as COVID-19, given their ability to potentially lower SARS-CoV-2 viral load.
- A recent study investigated a mouthwash containing 0.05% CPC and 0.05% chlorhexidine digluconate, revealing a significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load and infectivity, but its long-term clinical benefits are still unclear.
- Eczema patients, health-and-wellness enthusiasts, and individuals with other medical-conditions might find it interesting to know that certain mouthwashes have demonstrated effective biofilm eradication against bacteria, although their antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 have not been specifically addressed.
- In light of the ongoing pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises incorporating mouthwash use as a supplementary measure, along with wearing masks, getting vaccinated, and following other established precautions, to combat the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.
