Innovative Mouthwashes Investigated for Reducing SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva: Study
A recent study published in Scientific Reports explores the potential of different mouthwashes in reducing the viral load of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the saliva of infected individuals. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of three antimicrobial mouthwashes in combating the virus and potentially limiting its transmission.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled by infected individuals while talking, coughing, or sneezing. The virus primarily targets the angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) receptors in the host’s cells, including those found in the oral cavity.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, various non-pharmaceutical measures like wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and maintaining good hand hygiene have been implemented. Additionally, strategies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 lipid envelope have been developed to combat the virus.
The study focused on mouthwashes containing active ingredients such as chlorhexidine (CHX), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). These ingredients have been associated with the potential to disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein, leading to the virus’s inactivation and reduced transmission.
Previous research has shown that CHX mouthwash effectively reduces the viral load in saliva for a limited time after use. However, this study aimed to investigate how mouthwashes containing CHX, H2O2, and CPC specifically influence the viral load of various SARS-CoV-2 strains in saliva.
The study involved 40 hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients, between the ages of 18 and 74, who were diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, which was the dominant strain during the study period. The patients were divided into four test groups, with each group using a different mouthwash, and a control group that did not rinse their mouths.
The results of the study indicated a marginally significant reduction in the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva at two and three hours after rinsing, regardless of whether the patients used the mouthwashes or not. This suggests that even simply rinsing or spitting can contribute to reducing viral load in saliva.
While previous studies have shown that certain concentrations of CPC can inactivate different SARS-CoV-2 strains, including the Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants, it remains unclear how different strains interact with various mouthwashes. Additionally, mouthwashes can reduce the viral load in saliva, but the virus continues to replicate in the upper respiratory epithelia, leading to restored viral loads in saliva over time.
It is important to note that the study had some limitations, such as the inclusion of critically ill hospitalized patients who were receiving oxygen support, which could affect salivary flow. The study also faced challenges in ensuring participants followed all criteria, including refraining from eating, drinking, or performing oral hygiene for at least 30 minutes before each saliva sample collection.
Overall, the study findings suggest that the tested antimicrobial mouthwashes did not significantly differ from the control group in terms of reducing the viral load in the saliva of COVID-19 positive patients. Further research is necessary to fully understand how different oral care products affect the SARS-CoV-2 viral load and transmission.
In conclusion, while mouthwashes may provide some benefits in reducing the viral load in the saliva of infected individuals, it is crucial to continue practicing other preventive measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and good hand hygiene, to effectively control the spread of COVID-19.
