Regeneration, Reconstruction & Restoration (Triple R)

Abstract

Aim and background: Coronaviruses can lead to severe respiratory disease and have a significant fatality rate. Dental professionals are high-risk groups because of too many exposures to patients in dental practice. Various mouthwashes have been used for different goals in dentistry. The aim of this study is to assess the appropriate mouthwash to eliminate coronaviruses for pre-procedural rinsing in dental practice.

Materials and methods: Electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE searched systematically. 5 different keyword combinations used based on MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) database. The search language and time period were English and 1990 to 2020, respectively.

Results: Finally, 4 studies included in this review. According to the studies substances that were tested against coronaviruses as a mouthwash were Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and Chlorhexidine (CHX). 3 studies indicated that PVP-I is a promising substance to eliminate coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and also, influenza virus A (H1N1) and rotavirus. Virucidal effect of CHX against coronaviruses was insufficient.

Conclusion: PVP-I gargle/mouthwash is the only approved mouthwash for pre-procedural rinsing in dental practice to eliminate coronaviruses according to the available literature.