Unilever had released the preliminary lab test results, which depicts that the mouthwash formulation containing CPC Technology helps to reduce 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) after just 30 seconds of rinsing. This technology was brought to India by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in the form of Pepsodent Germicheck Mouth Rinse Liquid, which would be launched in India by December 2020.
The preliminary test results on existing Unilever research is published on the biology research platform bioRxiv, and also follows ongoing discussions in the global medical and scientific community about the role of mouthwash in reducing the transmission. Research into the duration of the effect continues, a previous study on a small group of patients infected with COVID-19 claims that the number of virus particles a person carries may be reduced in the mouth for up to 6 hours with the help of mouthwashes containing CPC Technology.
These preliminary test results which depict the effect of CPC Technology against the SARS-CoV-2 virus are the latest in the area of studies that are evaluating the efficacy of mouthwash technology against several viruses. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through the droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. Therefore, reducing the viral load in the mouth would help to reduce the transmission.
Madalasa Srivastava, Head, R&D, Oral Care South Asia, said that the results of the study are promising ones on this venture to understand how mouthwashes could help reduce the spread of coronavirus with other preventative measures. Although the research is ongoing, the brand wishes to share the results now so that people could consider introducing a CPC-based mouthwash- Pepsodent Germicheck Mouth Rinse Liquid, in the daily routine.
Ashok D. Dhoble, Secretary-General, Indian Dental Association, said that it was welcome news that a Mouthwash with CPC Technology has an important role to play in our fight against COVID-19. Through this new promising in vitro research, from HUL, on the viral efficacy of the mouthwash (on SARS-CoV-2), and the use of mouthwashes containing CPC Technology must be encouraged among the public, as it may have the potential to reduce the virus transmission. Even as the Indian Dental Association is waiting for further evidence from clinical studies, he would like to encourage people to make Mouthwash with CPC Technology a part of their daily hygiene routine, along with other protective measures (the wearing of masks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, and social distancing). IDA urges everyone to include this mouthwash technology as it would help to protect the public in this current pandemic situation.
