ByPA News<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Published:<\/strong> 18:46, 16 November 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mouthwash can eradicate coronavirus within 30 seconds of being exposed to it in a laboratory, a scientific study has found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The preliminary result comes ahead of a clinical trial into whether using over-the-counter mouthwash has the potential to reduce the levels of Covid-19 in a patient\u2019s saliva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cardiff University report said that mouthwashes containing at least 0.07% cetypyridinium chloride (CPC) showed \u201cpromising signs\u201d of being able to combat the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report \u2013 The Virucidal Efficacy of Oral Rinse Components Against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro \u2013 is yet to be peer reviewed but supports another study published last week that found CPC-based mouthwashes are effective in reducing Covid\u2019s viral load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although this in-vitro study is very encouraging and is a positive step, more clinical research is now clearly needed. Professor David Thomas, Cardiff University<\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest test was carried out by scientists at the university\u2019s laboratory and mimicked the conditions of a person\u2019s naso\/oropharynx passage using mouthwash brands including Dentyl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A clinical trial will next examine how effective mouthwash is in reducing the viral load in the saliva of Covid-19 patients at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, with its results due to be published in the first part of 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Thomas told the PA news agency: \u201cWhilst 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is important to point out the study won\u2019t give us any direct evidence on viral transmission between patients, that would require a different type of study on a much larger scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe ongoing clinical study will, however, show us how long any effects last, following a single administration of the mouthwash in patients with Covid-19.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He added: \u201cAlthough this in-vitro study is very encouraging and is a positive step, more clinical research is now clearly needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Nick Claydon, a specialist periodontologist, said he believed the research was \u201cvery valuable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said: \u201cIf these positive results are reflected in Cardiff University\u2019s clinical trial, CPC-based mouthwashes such as Dentyl used in the in-vitro study could become an important addition to people\u2019s routine, together with hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks, both now and in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Richard Stanton, lead author on the study and a reader in virology at Cardiff University, said: \u201cIt is notable that coronaviruses are far more amenable to disruption than many other viruses and bacteria due to the presence of a viral lipid envelope. Studies to see whether the approach can inactivate the virus in humans are ongoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn the human throat, the virus is being produced constantly, so if there is an effect it will be important to see how long it lasts for and whether this could help reduce transmission, for example in dental investigations, mouth\/throat examinations by GPs, or short-term contacts with vulnerable patients or other individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople should continue to follow the preventive measures issued by the UK Government, including washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance. We would encourage people to always use mouthwash safely and as per the manufacturer\u2019s guidelines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n