Mouth wash could be a vital health resource against COVID-19

The preliminary studies of a study conducted by Cardiff University showing “promising signs” that mouthwashes containing 0.07% of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) help to prevent spreading coronavirus (COVID-19). The preliminary data still requires peer review but the results reveal a new health practice to help prevent spreading COVID-19.

Mouthwash could become an important part of people's daily routines to tackle coronavirus, a scientist says https://t.co/ys1c1gkbij

— BBC Wales News (@BBCWalesNews) November 17, 2020

The Cardiff study identifies CPC-based mouthwashes are effective in reducing the viral load and spreading COVID-19 through saliva. The study utilized similar conditions of the oropharynx and nasopharynx passages using a variety of mouthwash brands including Dentyl.

The University Hospital of Wales conducted a 12-week clinical trial to determine if mouthwash can help to reduce the COVID-19 viral load through a patients’ saliva. The maker of Dentyl, Venture Life Group, maintains that they did not fund the study but the same company will be funding the second stage of research.

The leader of the clinical trial Professor David Thomas explained that the results of this study are positive but stresses the importance of conducting more clinical research to support the data. Thomas explains in further detail that researchers need to better understand the over-the-counter mouthwashes can achieve the same effect seen in the research lab with the hopes of completing the trial by early 2021.