New research shows mouthwash can eradicate coronavirus in just 30 seconds

A new study has found that mouthwash can eliminate coronavirus in just 30 seconds. The discovery has the possibility to reduce levels of the virus in a patient’s saliva.

The report conducted by Cardiff University found that mouthwash containing the ingredient 0.07% cetypyridinium chloride or CPC showed ‘promising signs’ of eliminating COVID-19.

The study entitled The Virucidal Efficacy of Oral Rinse Components Against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro is yet to be peer-reviewed but also supports another study published last week that CPC has the potential to reduce the viral load of coronavirus.

In conducting the study, scientists at the Cardiff University’s labs reconstructed a persons naso/oropharynx passage and used various brands of mouthwash, including Dentyl, to observe the changes in COVID’sviral load in the saliva.

Following this, a clinical trial at the Cardiff University Hospital of Wales will take place where the theory will be tested on coronavirus patients with the results are due to be published in early 2021.

Dentyl will be the only UK brand to take part in the 12-week clinical trial led by the University’s Professor David Thomas.

Thomas spoke to PA about the study entitled The measurement of mouthwash anti-viral activity against Covid-19:

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.

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. Although this in-vitro study is very encouraging and is a positive step, more clinical research is now clearly needed.

He continued:

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.

Periodontologist Dr Nick Clayton states the study is very exciting in terms of virology but also for dentistry as if proved successful, people’s dental routine may change for the better:

If these positive results are reflected in Cardiff University's clinical trial, CPC-based mouthwashes such as Dentyl used in the in-vitro study could become an important addition to people's routine, together with hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks, both now and in the future.