With a vaccine for COVID-19 about 6-18 months away, many scientists are exploring alternative ways to curb the spread of the virus. Preliminary studies suggest that mouthwash could be a key player. Though mouthwash cannot prevent you from becoming infected nor cure you if you have the virus, it potentially can reduce the spread of the virus to others for a limited time.

Before you go running to the nearest drugstore to purchase mouthwash, it is important to note that studies have found only therapeutic mouthwashes with active ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, peroxide, and fluoride to be effective. That is why when you visit your dental clinic, such as here at Smile Rx Dental, the dentist will ask you to rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide before providing you with treatment.  Other, cosmetic mouthwashes, which help you combat bad breath, simply will not work.

Let’s take a moment to understand how mouthwash interacts with the virus. When a person is infected with a virus, it replicates mainly within the nose and mouth. In fact, the throat is a key area where a significant amount of the virus is, which is why breathing, coughing and sneezing are prime examples of how it is transmitted to others. Initial studies have found that the active ingredients in mouthwash are capable of destroying the outer membrane of the virus, which then prevents it from replicating and reduces the viral load in the throat. 

So, incorporate a therapeutic mouthwash to your oral care routine, if you haven’t already; and make sure to keep up with our oral care and hang tight to your masks, which we still need for now.