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Mouthwashes May Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Transmission, Study Reveals

2020-08-13T20:01:39.451Z


One study revealed that the use of some mouthwashes could help reduce COVID-19 viral load and probably the risk of transmission.


As the coronavirus pandemic progresses, new findings emerge around it, and now a new study from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany has shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be inactivated using some commercially available mouthwashes.

According to research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases , this was demonstrated in cell culture experiments by virologists from the institution together with colleagues from Jena, Ulm, Duisburg-Essen, Nuremberg and Bremen.

According to experts, some coronavirus patients may have high viral loads in the oral cavity and throat and the use of these products could help reduce viral load and possibly the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the short term .

These findings came after researchers tested eight mouthwashes with different ingredients that are available in pharmacies in Germany, and mixed each with virus particles and an interfering substance, which recreated the effect of saliva in the mouth.

Subsequently, they shaken the mixture for 30 seconds to simulate the effect of gargling and then used Vero E6 cells, which are particularly receptive to SARS-Cov-2, to determine the concentration of the virus.

"All the preparations tested reduced the initial concentration of the virus. Three mouthwashes reduced it to such an extent that no virus could be detected after an exposure time of 30 seconds," they stated in the publication.

However, the authors of the analysis noted that they are not suitable for treating the disease.

"Gargling with a mouthwash cannot inhibit virus production in cells," explained Toni Luise Meister , research leader, "but it could reduce viral load in the short term where the greatest potential for infection comes from, that is, in the oral cavity and throat, and this could be useful in certain situations, such as at the dentist or during the medical care of patients with COVID-19. "

Although the experts did not give information about the mouthwashes used, the Listerine company, alerted on its website that its mouthwash has been shown to kill 99.9% of the germs that cause bad breath, tartar and gingivitis, but it has not been tested against coronavirus and was also not intended to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Therefore, it invites the population to follow the preventive measures issued by the World Health Organization, such as frequent hand washing, maintaining social distance and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth.

In addition, Bochum's group is considering the chances of conducting a clinical study on the efficacy of mouthwashes on SARS-CoV-2, during which the researchers want to show whether the effect can also be detected in patients and how long it lasts.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, United States, similar studies are already underway and the Bochum team has already contacted American scientists.

See also:

E-cigarettes increase risk of COVID-19 infection in young people

Experts Reveal Why Some COVID-19 Survivors Are Losing Their Hair

Wearing a bandana or gaiter may be worse than no mask, study reveals

Related Video: COVID-19 Symptoms May Last More Than 2 Weeks In Young Patients 

Source: telemundo

All life articles on 2020-08-13

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