Scientists at the Pennsylvania College of Medicine in the United States have found that oral antiseptics and mouthwashes can inactivate human coronaviruses. The results, reported in a press release from the institution, indicate that some of these agents may be helpful in lowering SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the mouth after infection.
Researchers tested several mouth and nasopharyngeal rinses for their ability to inactivate SARS-Cov-2-like human coronaviruses. Samples tested included 1% baby shampoo, hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, and other antiseptic solutions. Substances were contacted with viruses for 30 seconds, one or two minutes before subsequent dilution. After that, cultured human cells were placed in the solutions.
Scientists determined the level of viruses inactivated in the solution by the number of cells that survived after several days. The one percent solution of baby shampoo used by doctors to treat sinuses was found to kill up to 99.9 percent of viruses. Many mouthwashes also killed 99.9 percent of viruses after 30 seconds of contact.
Experts plan to conduct clinical trials of mouthwash to test if they can reduce viral load in COVID-19 patients.
