Colgate lab tests show toothpaste and mouthwashes neutralize 99.9% of the virus that causes COVID-19

An ongoing clinical research program to validate the potential of dental hygiene products to slow the spread of the virus

Laboratory studies show that toothpastes containing zinc or tin chloride and mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) neutralize the virus that causes COVID-19 by 99.9%. These studies are part of a Colgate research program that includes clinical trials in infected people to evaluate the effectiveness of dental hygiene products in reducing the amount of virus in the mouth, potentially slowing transmission of the COVID-19 virus. .

In these laboratory studies, the first ones performed on toothpaste, Colgate Total toothpaste and Meridol neutralized 99.9% of the virus after two minutes of contact. Colgate Plax and Colgate Total mouthwashes had similar effectiveness after 30 seconds. The studies, carried out in October, were carried out in collaboration with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) Public Health Research Institute is Regional biosecurity laboratories.

These findings suggest that some toothpastes and mouthwashes could help reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 by temporarily reducing the amount of virus in the mouth. The virus is spread via respiratory droplets or small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, speaks or breathes, depending on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We are at a very early stage in our clinical research, but the preliminary clinical and laboratory results are very promising,” comments Dr Maria Ryan, Colgate Clinical Director. “Tooth brushing and mouthwash are not a comprehensive treatment or method of protection against infection, but they can help reduce transmission and slow the spread of the virus, integrating the benefits of wearing a mask”, physical removal and frequent washing hands. “

According to Dr. David Alland, chief and head of infectious diseases and director of Center for COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, who conducted the study Rutgers NJMS with his colleagues Drs Pradeep Kumar and Riccardo Russo: “Since saliva can contain amounts of viruses comparable to those found in the nose and throat, it seems likely that the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the mouth is contributing to disease transmission, especially in asymptomatic people who do not have a cough. This suggests that reducing the virus in the mouth can help prevent transmission while dental hygiene products are active. “

Along with the laboratory study, a Colgate-funded clinical study involving approximately 50 hospitalized COVID-19 subjects was conductedAlbert Einstein Institute from San Paolo. This study demonstrated the ability of Colgate Total (with CPC and zinc), Colgate Peroxyl and Colgate PerioGard to temporarily reduce the amount of virus in the mouth. The researchers plan to publish their results in early December. Further Colgate-supported clinical research on toothpastes and mouthwashes is in its infancy Rutgers, to theEinstein Institute, and al University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry, with 260 COVID-19 patients participating.

“Colgate is collaborating with many researchers around the world to conduct clinical research to explore the potential of dental care products to reduce viral load in a risk reduction strategy,” says Dr. Ryan. “We believe that dental hygiene has a role to play in the fight against the global pandemic, along with other preventive measures. “

According to Dr. Mark Wolff, dean of Morton Amsterdam Penn Dental Medicine to theUniversity of Pennsylvania : “With this pandemic, the better we understand the virus, the more effectively we can fight it. So I am delighted that Colgate has embarked on such a broad research program. We must continue to adhere to the precautions recommended by health authorities. These studies could shed light on a another way to limit the transmission of the disease between people in close contact, especially in dental offices. It would be a big step forward. ”

As the world’s most respected dental expert, Colgate is committed to being a scientific leader and ensuring that its products address health challenges and meet consumer needs. For more information on the health effects of dental hygiene, as well as more information on masks and other topics, visit www.colgate.com.

About Colgate-Palmolive:

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a growing, innovative and caring company that envisions a different and healthier future for all humans, their animals and our planet. Focused on dental hygiene, personal care, cleaning and animal nutrition, and present in more than 200 countries and territories, Colgate’s teams develop and market health and hygiene products as well as nutritional solutions. animals essential for society through brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, meridol, Tom’s of Maine, hello, Sorriso, Speed ​​Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sanex, Filorga, eltaMD, PCA Skin, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso , Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. Colgate aims to generate sustainable growth and superior returns for its shareholders and to provide its employees with an innovative and inclusive work environment. Colgate achieves this by developing and marketing products globally to make people’s lives healthier and more enjoyable and by betting on strategies for sustainability, diversity, equality, inclusion and social responsibility within the organization. For more information on Colgate’s global business, its efforts to improve children’s dental health through its Bright Smiles program, Bright Futures, and how the company is building a future that makes you want to smile, visit www. .colgatepalmolive.com. CL-C