From 28 June in almost all of Italy there is no longer the obligation to wear masks outdoors, but – as we have learned in these months of pandemic – our mouth, together with the nose, is the main place of spread of Covid -19 identified in the saliva of 91.7% of infected people.
When a person coughs, sneezes, breathes or speaks, they spread droplets of saliva, which can contain the virus and transmit it up to a distance of 3 meters, even in the case of asymptomatic patients, or by aerosol up to 8 meters.
A personal and above all clinical prevention measure – as regards dental practices – could be to reduce the viral load directly in the mouth, weakening Covid and reducing the risk of transmission. How? With a mouthwash for example. Antiviral mouthwashes, in fact, could also play an important role in preventive function by reducing the general risk of infections.
According to a recent study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection and led by Dr. Florence Carrouel, associate professor at the Faculty of Dentistry at the Claude Bernard University of Lyon, rinsing with a mouthwash based on β-cyclodextrin and Citrox® is effective as a support to reduce the viral load by 71% of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva in asymptomatic adults or with weak symptoms. β-cyclodextrin and Citrox® are both key ingredients in the mouthwash Perio Plus+ Regenerate of Curaprox, the brand of Curaden AG offering premium Swiss oral care products.
The study: effectiveness even after 4 hours
This is the first in vivo study carried out on 176 patients between 18 and 85 years old, selected from four French hospitals, who tested positive asymptomatic or with mild symptoms to SARS-CoV-2 with a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) .
In the study, 176 patients were divided into two groups and had three rinses a day for seven days using some Curaprox Perio Plus + Regenerate, others a placebo mouthwash. The saliva samples taken were compared to study the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 viral load and the clinical study showed a significant result: with a single rinse with Perio Plus + Regenerate the initial viral load in saliva was reduced 71% after 4 hours. Unlike the placebo mouthwash, the second rinse with the antiviral mouthwash helped keep the viral load obtained with the initial one low. Seven days after the start of the study, the three daily rinses had a significantly beneficial effect on reducing the SARS-CoV-2 saliva load in 50% of adults with a higher viral load.
Not only Covid-19, post-intervention regeneration
“Perio Plus + Regenerate represents a new generation of oral antiseptics which, in addition to containing safe and effective components for long-lasting oral health and promoting patient compliance, thanks to the particularly pleasant and fresh taste, helps the immune system to control the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. It therefore offers additional protection and a valid help for dental practices that recommend rinsing their patients 4 hours before the visit “explains Paolo Saggiorato, Country Manager Curaprox Italy” It also contains hyaluronic acid, especially recommended after surgery, as it regulates humidity levels, promotes cell growth and accelerates regeneration “.
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