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Coronavirus

Do you use mouthwash?

(63 Posts)
fiorentina51 Tue 17-Nov-20 10:45:27

I use a mouthwash most days. I was a bit slapdash about it until earlier this year when a friend who happens to be a doctor, went to visit family in Singapore just before lock down. Both be and his wife used an alcohol based mouthwash twice a day whilst there as an added precaution against Covid. Whether it works or not I don't know but I thought I'd try it myself.

Pittcity Tue 17-Nov-20 10:32:49

I've just checked and my cheap Lidl mouthwash contains the "magic" ingredient, cetypyridinium chloride (CPC).
I'll be buying a few more bottles if there are any left!

eazybee Tue 17-Nov-20 09:50:42

I use mouthwash daily but always diluted with water, after advice from the hygienist.

Hetty58 Tue 17-Nov-20 09:46:47

No, I'm allergic to so many things - and my dentist said plain water is just as good.

However, I can see how it might destroy (some of) the virus in the mouth and throat, but not in the nose or eyes, other 'entry points'.

Greyduster Tue 17-Nov-20 09:42:18

I did a bit of a search online about this not long ago, and the general consensus of scientific study seemed to be that most mouthwashes were ineffective against covid, except one that was manufactured in Japan. I use a chlorhexadine one occasionally, but my dentist said it’s too strong to use regularly.

Franbern Tue 17-Nov-20 09:39:33

I am very careful about my dental hygiene. A few years ago, I had a brutal hygienist, which cost me a lot of money and caused problems. Vowed never to go to one again (previously had attended annually).
So, took up very careful dental care. Electric brush resting on each tooth for 10 seconds, back and front. Also use good quality mouth wash.
Has worked very well, no build up of plaque, each subsequent visit to dentist has gone well, with no work required, even tooth which I was told was so infected it would require removal, has since recovered and not showing any signs of that infection.
It does take me four minutes both morning and evening to clean my teeth, In the evening I also use the small dental brushes .
As I am approaching 80 yrs, old, with four pregnancies behind me, I feel that this 8-10 minutes spent each day is very worthwhile.

Not sure I am confident in miracle stories about protection against virus, but know that good dental hygiene as with all good hygiene must be good for me.

Ellianne Tue 17-Nov-20 09:38:50

Depends on the alcohol content for me!

Seriously, my dentist said the alcohol free ones are supposed to be better but I can't remember why.

Grannynannywanny Tue 17-Nov-20 09:35:46

I saw this discussed last week with tv Dr Hilary. He didn’t appear to be convinced by this theory.

Pittcity Tue 17-Nov-20 09:30:49

I had to use it before the hygienist cleaned my teeth in the summer Shropshirelass. Previous to this it was only offered after treatment.

My dentist said not to use it, or even rinse with water, straight after brushing as it washes away the effective ingredients of the toothpaste. I think Covid prevention out trumps tooth decay.

Shropshirelass Tue 17-Nov-20 09:24:45

I use it occasionally but it makes my mouth sore. My DH used to use it daily, he found that the skin started to peel from inside his mouth, when he told our dentist she said not to use mouthwash. When we went to our last appointment after the first lockdown, we had to swish a little drop of mouthwash round our mouths for a minute, it foamed up, perhaps this was to kill any possible viruses.

Charleygirl5 Tue 17-Nov-20 09:23:46

Pittcity you took the words out of my mouth! The manufacturers had better get moving- they can make a fortune until we find out exactly the ingredients which may kill the virus. The shelves will be empty by the weekend.

Pittcity Tue 17-Nov-20 09:21:35

Sorry meant to add a link to the article www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-11-17/mouthwash-kills-covid-within-30-seconds-cardiff-laboratory-tests-find

Pittcity Tue 17-Nov-20 09:20:58

A new study has shown certain mouthwashes to be effective at reducing the amount of Covid in saliva.

I use it, but infrequently. Maybe I'll start being a more regular user.
I wonder how many brands contain the essential ingredient? Will this lead to a shortage?