The Efficacy of Oral Antiseptics Against COVID-19

The Effectiveness of Oral Antiseptics on the Intraoral Viral Load of SARS-CoV-2

In a study conducted on 75 COVID-19 patients, the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on viral load was investigated as a result of the use of hypochlorous acid and povidone-iodine as an oral antiseptic.

Before and 30 minutes after rinsing with mouth antiseptics, the participants were asked to rinse the mouth and throat for 30 seconds with 0.9% isotonic saline. The sample was sputtered into a sterile plastic container. The participants were grouped according to the type of oral antiseptics used. The effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 viral load was investigated by rinsing the mouth and throat for 30 seconds with 20 ml of hypochlorous acid, povidone-iodine, and isotonic saline. Viral load was analyzed by RT-PCR analysis. The results were evaluated by statistical analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result,
• Adult hospitalized patient,
• The participants have the physical and psychological ability to follow the instructions in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients intubated and supported by a mechanical respirator,
• Severe acute or chronic medical or psychiatric condition,
• History of significant adverse effects following use of oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses,
• Active uncontrolled thyroid disease,
• Developmental/cognitive disability,
• Pregnancy,
• Undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.