The Use of mouthwashes against COVID-19 in dentistry

Abstract

The proximity to the patient during dental care, high generation of aerosols, and the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva have suggested the oral cavity as a potential reservoir for COVID-19 transmission. Mouthwashes are widely used solutions due to their ability to reduce the number of microorganisms in the oral cavity. Although there is still no clinical evidence that it uses can prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, preoperational antimicrobial mouth rinses with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), povidone‐ iodine (PVP‐ I) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been recommended to reduce the number of microorganisms in aerosols and drops during oral procedures. Thus, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current recommendations on the use of mouthwashes against COVID – 19 pandemic and to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of most conventional antiseptic mouthwashes used in dentistry.