Comparison of effectiveness of chlorine dioxide mouthwash and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in reduction of oral viral load in patients with covid-19

ABSTRACT

Background: Air-borne droplets constitute the main route of transmission of COVID-19. Considering the exponential increase in number of cases, it has become the need of the hour to develop additional measures to limit the spread of infection. Materials and Methods: 40 patients were provided with Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2%) mouthwash and Chlorine dioxide (0.1%) mouthwash to rinse and gargle thrice a day for one week. The qualitative COVID antigen test confirmed by Qualitative PCR on an oropharyngeal swab collected from the patients was compared for both the groups at baseline and post-intervention levels. Results: There was an improvement in symptoms such as cough, sore throat and bad breath in both the groups. The number of cases demonstrating reduction in intensity of symptoms as well as testing qualitatively negative for COVID-19 antigen were found to be greater in the group that was provided with Chlorine dioxide mouthwash. Conclusion: Regular use of Chlorine dioxide could effectively reduce the symptoms and oral viral load, thereby subsequently reducing the symptoms and risk of transmission of COVID-19. Use of Chlorine dioxide mouthwash may be recommended as a part of health policies and preprocedural protocols.