Prophylactic Effects of Mouthwashes on COVID-19 and its Family Viruses: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Received: 13 Aug, 2020 Accepted: 13 Sep, 2020 Abstract Background and Objectives: One of the most important ways that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is transmitted is through respiratory droplets and contact of person to person. Angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 is one of the receptors of this virus, which is abundant in the oral cavity, especially on the epithelial cells of the tongue. By joining to its receptor in the mouth, the virus can infect an individual and transmit the disease to other individuals. Mouthwashes are among the techniques used for the improvement of oral hygiene and reduction of gingivitis and periodontitis. Moreover, some of them have antiviral and antibacterial properties. The purpose of this study was to review the articles related to effective mouthwashes against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (as the causative agent of COVID-19) and its family viruses.