What if I were to tell you that you can kill the coronavirus strain coming in contact with your mouth by using some commercially sold mouthwashes? In a recent study, scientists from Ruhr-Universität Bochum along with colleagues from Jena, Ulm, Nuremberg, Duisberg-Essen, and Bremen have proved that mouthwashes can kill coronavirus strains in the mouth of the patients. A high viral load of coronavirus can be detected in the oral cavity and throat of COVID-19 patients. The risk of COVID-19 transmission can be reduced by using mouthwashes that are effective against the Sars-CoV-2.
However, bear in mind that mouthwashes cannot provide you the ultimate protection against the coronavirus. They can only be used prior to dental treatments. For the purpose of the study, the researchers tested eight types of mouthwash that are commercially sold in Germany. The scientists mixed together with the Sars-CoV-2 strain, mouthwashes, and an intermediate compound that helps create the effect of saliva. To simulate the effect of gargling the mixture shaken with 30 seconds. To determine the Sars-CoV-2 viral strain, the researchers used Vero E6 cells.
The researchers found that all the mouthwashes reduced the viral load. Furthermore, three types of mouthwash reduced the viral load to such an extent that no signs of Sars-CoV-2 were seen even after 30 seconds of exposure time. But, the authors of the study pointed out that mouthwashes are not suitable for treating COVID-19. The lead author of the study, Toni Meister says, “Mouthwashes could reduce the viral load in the short term where the greatest potential for infection comes from, namely the oral cavity and throat-and this could be useful in certain situations, such as the dentist or during the medical care of COVID-19 patients.”
The Bochum group of scientists is further determining the efficacy of various commercial mouthwashes against Sars-CoV-2 viral strains. The study will also determine how long its effect lasts in COVID-19 patients. Similar studies are also underway in San Francisco and the Bochum team is in contact with the American researchers for the same.