Novel coronavirus can be inactivated using commercially available mouthwashes, according to a study which says gargling with these products

Berlin: The novel coronavirus can be inactivated using commercially available mouthwashes, according to a study which says gargling with these products may reduce the quantities of viral particles in the mouth and throat, and possibly reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission over the short term.

However, the study shows that mouthwashes are not suitable for treating Covid-19 infections or protecting oneself against catching the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

Mouthwash

According to the researchers, high quantities of the virus particles, or viral load, can be detected in the oral cavity and throat of some Covid-19 patients.

They added that the main route of transmission of the virus likely involves direct contact with respiratory droplets of infected individuals, produced during sneezing, coughing or talking, and the subsequent contact to nasal, oral or ocular mucosal membranes of healthy individuals.

CoronavirusAccording to the researchers, mouthwashes are not suitable for treating Covid-19.

"Gargling with a mouthwash cannot inhibit the production of viruses in the cells, but could reduce the viral load in the short term where the greatest potential for infection comes from, namely 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 Covid-19 patients," explained study co-author Toni Meister from Ruhr University Bochum.