Coronavirus: Gargle mouthwash to ward off Covid-19, experts say

Lyon, France - One French doctor explains how many doses of mouthwash you should take - and when - to protect yourself.

Mouthwashes with anti-viral ingredients could help decrease Covid-19 transmission by reducing viral loads in the mouths of infected patients when they cough, sneeze or speak, according to a paper in the Journal of Dental Research published on Thursday.

Studies have found that rinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride or povidone-iodine can reduce the oral coronavirus load; other promising compounds include hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, cyclodextrin, Citrox, and certain essential oils.

Co-author Dr Florence Carrouel of University Claude Bernard Lyon in France told Reuters everyone should be using these mouthwashes because people can be infected and not realise it.

While more studies are needed to determine appropriate regimens, she suggests using three doses of anti-viral mouthwash the day before a meeting, and one dose the morning of the event.

Covid-19 patients should be using mouthwash regularly for seven to 10 days.

• Europe