Colgate toothpaste kills 99.9% of coronavirus, tests show
by Gaby Bissett
New laboratory studies carried out by Colgate reveal toothpastes and mouthwashes can help to inactivate coronavirus.
The new research shows that toothpastes containing zinc or stannous inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
Similarly, the same applies to mouthwash formulas containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC).
The lab studies show that Colgate Total and Meridol toothpaste neutralised 99.9% of the virus after just two minutes of contact. In addition, Colgate Total, Colgate Plax and Colgate Zero mouthwashes were all effective after 30 seconds.
Supplement social distancing
Completed in October, the research suggests some oral health products could help to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Dr Maria Ryan is the company’s chief clinical officer. ‘Brushing and rinsing are not a treatment or a way to fully protect an individual from infection,’ she said.
‘But they may help to reduce transmission and slow the spread of the virus. This can supplement the benefit we get from wearing masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing.
‘We’re at the early stages of our clinical investigations, but our preliminary laboratory and clinical results are very promising.’
Fighting the pandemic
As well as the laboratory study, a sponsored clinical took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, involving 50 hospitalised patients with COVID-19.
This study highlighted the effectiveness of certain Colgate mouthwashes to significantly reduce the amount of the virus in the mouth temporarily.
Dr Ryan added: ‘Colgate is collaborating with numerous investigators throughout the globe to conduct clinical research. This will explore the potential of oral care products to reduce oral viral loads as a risk reduction strategy.
‘We think oral care has a role to play in fighting the global pandemic, alongside other preventive measures.’
