Supermarket-brand mouthwash can kill COVID-19 within 30 seconds, study finds

man using mouthwash
Early results look "promising", according to experts. Photo credit: Getty.

If using a mouthwash isn't already part of your daily routine, it might be time to adopt it. 

Early results of a study being conducted in the UK have revealed "promising signs" of mouthwashes containing at least 0.07 percent cetylpyridinium chloride being able to eliminate COVID-19 in as quickly as 30 seconds.

According to The Independent, the preliminary report from scientists at Cardiff University is yet to be reviewed, but supports a study published last week which found mouthwash containing the antiseptic helps in reducing the "viral load" of those infected with COVID-19. 

Scientists used the UK brand of mouthwash Dentyl for their report entitled The Virucidal Efficacy of Oral Rinse Components Against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro. 

"Although this in-vitro study is very encouraging and is a positive step, more clinical research is now clearly needed," Professor David Thomas told the PA news agency, quoted the Independent newspaper.

A clinical trial on patients at the University Hospital of Wales is now set to go ahead, with findings expected to be published in early 2021.

Mouthwashes available to buy in New Zealand containing cetylpyridinium chloride include Colgate Savacol Mouth Rinse Antiseptic and Cepacol MouthWash Solution.