ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Concerned by the alarming levels of spread and severity, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. The disease has spread worldwide and there have been 65.8 million reported cases and 1.5 million deaths as of insert date. Dental professionals and patients may be exposed to pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses that may infect the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of the salivary viral load using oral antiseptic mouthwashes in patients testing positive for COVID-19. Methods: Sixty-three individuals were recruited after testing positive for COVID-19 by real-time RT-PCR assay and divided into five groups. Group 1 received sterile water, group 2 received 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution (HP), group 3 received 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), group 4 received 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution (NaClO), and group 5 received sequential rinses using CHX and HP. After collecting the initial saliva sample, individuals were asked to use the designated mouthwash for 1 min. Additional saliva samples were collected immediately after rinsing, 15 and 30 min after rinsing. Real-time RT-PCR assays for RNA detection of SARS-CoV-2 were performed on the saliva samples. Results: Compared to the baseline values, there was a significant reduction in the number of copies of SARS-Cov-2 after 30 min in Group 2, and immediately after the initial mouthwash in Group 4. There were no significant differences among the experimental groups and the control group in any period. Conclusions: Although the mouthwashes containing 0.1% NaClO or 1.5% HP reduced the viral load compared to the baseline values, there were no significant differences compared to the control group.