Common over-the-counter mouthwash might be an effective way to kill COVID-19 according to a new study carried out by the University of Cardiff.
Mouthwashes containing 0.07% of the ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) showed "promising signs" of reducing COVID-19 according to the study, with the results backing up data from an earlier scientific test.
Cardiff University said that in lab conditions that mimicked a person’s mouth and throat, widely available mouthwashes killed the virus within 30 seconds.
The study has yet to be peer-reviewed but Professor David Thomas from the university said: “This in-vitro study clearly demonstrates that certain CPC mouthwashes inactivate the SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) virus following a 30-second exposure in the lab.
“With these initially positive results in the laboratory, our clinical study of CPC-containing mouthwashes continues".
The university added that more than just the active ingredients it was the construct of the mouthwash formulations that was the critical determinant of a successful outcome.
Venture Life PLC (LON:VLG), which produces Dentyl, one of the mouthwashes found to be effective in the study, is now co-funding an additional 12-week clinical in people-trial to test their effectiveness. The findings will be published in early 2021.
Dr Nick Claydon, a Specialist Periodontologist said: These results indicate the CPC-based mouthwashes used in the in-vitro study could become an important addition to everyone's daily routine, together with hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks, both now and in the future'.