Investigation of the effect of mouthwash on the reduction of salivary SARS-CoV-2 in patients with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19

The Joint Research Course on Oral Microbial Control has been established as a part of the promotion of cross innovation by Earth Corporation and Strategic Global Partnership & X(Cross)-Innovation Initiative, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University.

We looked at the fact that COVID-19 increasing in the salivary glands caused droplet infection via saliva. We inferred that the antimicrobial ingredients used in oral care products could prevent droplet infection by inactivating the virus in the mouth (saliva) and focused on the control of the transmission of infection with oral care products.

The antimicrobial ingredients used in oral care products have demonstrated inactivation effects against COVID-19 in in vitro studies. To further promote clinical evaluation, we are conducting research to verify the effect of oral care products against COVID-19 in the oral cavity, saliva, and droplets of infected patients and its effectiveness for controlling transmission of infection.

This research not only contributes to the promotion and development of oral care products unprecedented in the world but also contributes to resolving social issues related to the presence of disease risks caused by the oral environment, informing the importance of oral hygiene by disseminating oral care products, realizing healthy and comfortable lives of people, and activating economy.

Principal Investigator