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Gargling mouthwash could KILL coronavirus and slash risk of infection, scientists find

GARGLING mouthwash could kill coronavirus and slash the risk of infection, scientists believe.

Just 30 seconds of swirling has proven effective against similar viruses, a review found.

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 Gargling mouthwash could kill coronavirus and slash infection risk, scientists have claimed
Gargling mouthwash could kill coronavirus and slash infection risk, scientists have claimedCredit: Getty - Contributor

Ingredients in common mouthwashes damaged the bugs’ outer shell - making them harmless.

Now experts have called for urgent research into the potential benefits of using the rinse to combat Covid-19.

They hope to establish if popular brands can inactivate the virus in the throat, where it is thought to multiply.

Hand washing and following the social distancing rules are still among the best ways to protect yourself from coronavirus, as well as staying healthy and using face coverings on public transport and in shops.

'RINSING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED'

Study leader Prof Valerie O’Donnell, from Cardiff University, said: “Safe use of mouthwash - as in gargling - has so far not been considered by public health bodies in the UK.

“Already published research on other enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses, directly support the idea that oral rinsing should be considered as a potential way to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

“What we don’t know yet is whether existing mouthwashes are active against the lipid membrane of SARS-CoV-2.

Research is needed as a matter of urgency to determine its potential for use against this new virus

Prof Valerie O’Donnell

“Our review of the literature suggests that research is needed as a matter of urgency to determine its potential for use against this new virus.

“This is an under-researched area of major clinical need - and we hope that research projects will be quickly mobilised to further evaluate this.

“Population-based interventions could be undertaken with available mouthwashes, with active monitoring of outcome to determine efficacy.”

Prof O’Donnell added: “Mouthwash has not been tested against this new coronavirus yet.

“People should continue to follow the preventive measures issued by the UK government, including washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance.

“This study suggests further clinical studies could be worthwhile based on the theoretical evidence.”

Researchers could assess existing or specially-made formulations of mouthwash in a lab and then in clinical trials, she said.

 

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Medics could also assess how the use of popular brands among the wider population impacts on infection rates.

Potentially useful ingredients include ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium.

The findings are published in the journal Function.

Moment husband pulls his wife's tooth out with pliers after she couldn't get a dental appointment during coronavirus lockdown

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