Anti-viral oral care

Update 17/6/21

A study has shown that PerioPlus Regenerate Mouthwash has a modest benefit in suppressing the COVID virus (to see the study click here ). PerioPlus has in fact, for some time been our standard product for use after periodontal treatment.

You may have seen in the press, information from Professor Martin Addy about the effect that toothpastes and mouthwashes have on the COVID-19 virus. We have had a number of queries as to whether this was a fake report, but it is true. Prof Addy held the chair in Periodontology at Bristol University and is a world renowned expert on the formulation of these products. The primary ingredient that ‘kills’ the virus is the detergent in the hand wash which is SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate). This disrupts the lipid (fat) layer between the virus’ outer coating (which is the bit that latches on to our cell’s receptors) and the RNA (the virus’ genetic information). Many products such as handwashes, shampoos etc contain SLS and so do most toothpastes, hence a number of experts saying that the most important 4 minutes of our days are the 2 minutes we spend each morning and evening cleaning our teeth (and hopefully for our patients, much more than 4 minutes when we include the interdental cleaning!).

It is important to note however, that if you are using Curasept toothpaste, gel or mouthwash these cannot contain SLS as that stops the Chlorhexidine working (the ingredient that kills bacteria). All of the Colgate and Oral-B range contain SLS as do most other toothpastes. If you are in any doubt, please feel free to call us for advice.

Recently, you may have seen in the press information regarding some initial data from Cardiff University regarding a chemical (CPC) which also has anti-viral properties.

Just prior to the lockdown, we introduced a new range of oral care products for periodontal patients called PerioPlus+. Whilst these also do not contain SLS (due to the chlorhexidine), they have a number of other ingredients at least one of which has been shown to kill the COVID-19 virus. It is therefore now possible to maintain a regime which includes Chlorhexidine and has an anti-viral property. Again, if you would like further advice, please fee free to call us. Thses products are available through our mail order service.

It is important to note in relation to this use of mouthwashes that Faculty guidelines from the Royal College of Surgeons (and other organisations) cite the lack of evidence of benefit, as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) is predominantly a respiratory virus. The action of any mouthwash is limited to the mouth and recolonisation is likely to occur within a short space of time.