Can a mouthwash replace the mask?

The ingredients in antiseptic mouthwashes also have virucidal properties, which could lower the viral load in droplets emitted by patients infected with the coronavirus Sars-CoV-2. But is this theoretical effect sufficient to constitute a real means of prevention?

And if a good mouthwash could give us fresh breath and free of all virus ? This is the hypothesis put forward by a new study published in the medical journal Function May 14, 2020. Researchers studied the effect of the main ingredients in mouthwashes (ethanol, chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, hydrogen peroxide and povidone iodine) on viruses.

" The SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus, characterized by an external lipid membrane derived from the cell host from which it came. However, the existing mouthwash formulations disrupt this lipid membrane "Explain the authors who call for a clinical evaluation of these products in time of the means of prevention.

The throat and saliva, high places of replication of the coronavirus

" Previous studies have shown that the throat and salivary glands are websites of replication and transmission of the virus at the start of the disease Covid-19 and in asymptomatic patients "Note the authors. Studies have shown that viral particles can survive up to three hours in the air in the form ofaerosol. A healthy person could therefore theoretically be infected with inhalation of contaminated microdroplets when an individual with the virus coughs or talks, say scientists.

Hence the idea of ​​reducing the viral load in the mouth with an oral rinse to limit the transmission of the virus. " The CDC (American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) also recommend that patients have a mouthwash before going to the dentist to limit the risk of transmission. "Notes Valerie O'Donnell, director of the department of infections andimmunity at Cardiff University and co-author of the study.

But, by the time a mouthwash dispenses with wearing a mask, the road is long. " These products may decrease the spread of the virus in the short term for close family contacts. "Says Eric Bortzn, biologist at the University of Alaska Anchorage on the site Healtline. " Thealcohol can temporarily kill the virus on mouth surfaces, just like a glass of whiskey, rum or tequila, quips the researcher. But, in a highly infected person, infected throat cells could also produce more viruses. ", He also specifies. In addition, the mouth is not the only place of transmission of the virus. The nose and the gorge are also important replication and propagation sites.

Soon a special anti-Covid mouthwash?

The virucidal action of mouthwashes has only been demonstrated in vitro. Tests under real conditions are therefore essential to determine if mouthwashes can effectively prevent spread of coronavirus, insist the authors of the British study themselves. " These tests could include already existing products or formulations specially designed against Sars-CoV-2, they suggest. This is an area that has been little studied and that presents an important clinical need. "

In the meantime, the wearing a mask remains highly recommended in confined or high density areas. To remove any ambiguity, the manufacturer of mouthwash Listerine® has also published a warning message on its site. Internet explaining that his product " has not been tested against coronavirus(and) that preventive measures must be followedWHO – wash one's hands, maintain a social distance and avoid touching your mouth and nose "

This will also interest you

How does the Covid-19 travel in an office with air conditioning? As deconfinement begins to take place, new simulations emerge, offering a glimpse of how the virus could circulate in an office with air conditioning.

The post Can a mouthwash replace the mask? appeared first on Smart Be Well.