The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the world has created unprecedented healthcare, social, and economic disaster. With the most significant mode of transmission considered to be through aerosolized droplets, wearing masks and social distancing can significantly decrease transmission and spread.

Nasal rinses and mouthwashes which directly treat the major sites of reception and transmission of HCoV, may provide an additional level of protection against the virus. Multiple mouthwash and oral rinse products wiped out a human coronavirus closely related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a laboratory comparison study. Listerine Antiseptic led the list of most effective mouthwashes for inactivating the coronavirus. Interestingly, a 1% nasal rinse solution of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo also worked, eliminating up to 99.9% of the viral load in the in vitro experiments.

There is a lot of research being conducted around the world in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. A vaccine is coming in the near future but unfortunately isn’t here yet so this information is important to pay attention to. Interesting, many types of mouthwash contain alcohol, the active ingredient in hand sanitizer so it makes sense right?

Stay well, stay safe, stay tuned and go rinse your mouth!