International
oi-Madhuri Adnal
London, Apr 21: Simple oral hygiene measures could help lower the risk of transmission of the novel coronavirus from the mouth to the lungs, and help prevent severe instances of COVID-19, according to a study.
The research, published in the Journal of Oral Medicine and Dental Research, shows that there is emerging evidence that specific ingredients of some inexpensive and widely available mouthwash products are highly effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that causes COVID-19.
The researchers noted that the coronavirus could pass into people”s lungs from saliva with the virus moving directly from mouth to bloodstream — particularly if individuals are suffering from gum disease.
Evidence shows that blood vessels of the lungs, rather than airways, are affected initially in COVID-19 lung disease with high concentrations of the virus in saliva and periodontitis…