Mouthwash prevents covid

Maintaining cleanliness is one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Starting from washing hands, keeping a distance, to using a mask when traveling. However, recently a study shows that mouthwash can be used to prevent COVID-19.

Is it true that using mouthwash can prevent the spread of the virus that causes this respiratory disease?

Is it true that mouthwash can prevent COVID-19?

The relatively high transmission of the COVID-19 virus has made the public even more alert. All efforts to prevent transmission are carried out, such as cleaning groceries, wearing masks, and washing hands with soap.

There was recently a study from the journal Function which states that mouthwash can help prevent transmission of COVID-19. Why is that?

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is an outer sheath virus that has a lipid membrane and originates from the host cell where it shoots. However, this respiratory virus is also quite sensitive to compounds that disrupt bio-membrane lipids.

Therefore, this study attempted to analyze the processes that disrupt viral lipid membranes caused by dental mouthwash. The mouthwash used contains ethanol, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, and povidone-iodine.

The reason is, the research team revealed that previous studies have shown compounds found in mouthwash can disrupt the lipid membrane of the virus. If the lipid membrane of the virus is compromised, the risk of spreading the infection is reduced.

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The function of mouthwash may be able to deactivate the virus in the throat and thus help prevent coughs and sneezes. However, there is no research that actually proves whether this can happen.

According to associate director at Cardiff University Valerie O'Donnell, in limited clinical trial trials, some mouthwashes contain ingredients that can kill viruses. In fact, the content of the mouthwash is also known to be effective at targeting lipids in a virus similar to COVID-19.

However, the researchers finally concluded that more in-depth research is still needed to test the effectiveness of mouthwash compounds in preventing COVID-19. What's more, antiseptic mouthwash is not recommended because it risks disrupting the normal flora balance in the mouth.

Mouthwash cannot replace the function of a mask

Recent research may suggest there is a chance that mouthwash compounds could help prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, that does not mean that you then remove the mask and rely on the use of mouthwash.

One company that produces mouthwash urges the public not to use their products as a way to deal with COVID-19. The reason is, antiseptic mouthwash is a drug that is clinically proven to kill the germs that cause plaque, bad breath, and early gum disease.

Mouthwash has not been tested whether it can be used to kill the corona virus and it does not work to treat COVID-19.

The research team also stressed that it is still not proven whether mouthwash has any effect to prevent the virus. Therefore, the public still needs to follow ways to prevent transmission of COVID-19 in general, such as maintaining distance and washing hands as often as possible.

The function of mouthwash for oral health

One of the compounds in mouthwash, namely hydrogen peroxide, is often used to sterilize homes. Therefore, many people think that mouthwash might be used to prevent COVID-19.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) the use of mouthwash is quite beneficial in daily oral hygiene routines for some people. Starting from cleaning the cavity of the tooth to reaching areas where the toothbrush cannot be reached.

Types of mouthwash are divided into two. First, mouthwash that is used to temporarily reduce bad breath and its chemical properties is of little benefit to oral health.

Meanwhile, therapeutic mouthwash contains active compounds that function to control or reduce oral health problems. Starting from bad breath, gingivitis, to tooth decay.

The chemical compounds in mouthwash are more devoted to attacking pathogens that damage oral health. If it is associated with preventing the transmission of the corona virus, of course more research is still needed.

Although it will be proven that mouthwash will temporarily prevent COVID-19 in the mouth and upper throat, this does not mean that it will reduce the spread of the virus.

The reason is, this viral infection can spread through droplet people infected with COVID-19. In fact, there are many cases where the virus can still be spread through patients who have no symptoms at all.

Therefore, public health experts around the world are appealing to the public that washing their hands and not touching their faces frequently is the most effective preventive measure.