A new study at Cardiff University found that an ingredient in some tested mouthwashes might help kill COVID-19 in saliva and thus slow the spread of the virus. 

Patients participated in a clinical trial at the University Hospital of Wales and proved that the virus can be destroyed in under 30 seconds of being exposed to mouthwash. 

According to Dr. Nick Clayton, scientist and researcher, along with wearing masks and social distancing, using mouthwash everyday could become a “new normal”. 

“If these positive results are reflected in Cardiff University’s clinical trial, CPC [cetylpyridinium chloride]-based mouthwashes… could become an important addition to people’s routine,” Clayton said. 

The study says mouthwashes that contain at least 0.07% of CPC are the most likely to prevent the virus and showed “promising signs”. 

“This study adds to the emerging literature that several commonly-available mouthwashes designed to fight gum disease can also inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (and other related coronaviruses),” Clayton noted. 

Dr. Anthony Cardillo, another scientist on the study, said using mouthwash every day is not harmful to the consumer and should be considered. 

“I would recommend just using a daily mouthwash, whether it’s Listerine or Cepacol, just to keep your general health OK, your oral health OK, but if it helps with coronavirus, that’s an added benefit,” Cardillo said. 

The University’s study has not yet been published but has been corroborated with another unnamed study.