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Dr Hilary clears up reports mouthwash can kill off coronavirus

9 November 2020, 12:07

Dr Hilary debunks 'farfetched' theory that mouthwash could stop coronavirus

By Alice Dear

Dr Hilary has told people they don't need to rush out to buy mouthwash amid reports it could fight COVID-19.

A new study has found that mouthwash could be used to kill off coronavirus.

It has been reported that mouthwashes containing a 'key chemical' could stop the spread of the deadly virus, but how reliable is the research?

Before you run out to the shops to stock up on mouthwash, Dr Hilary has insisted there is no "strong evidence" to say it protects people from coronavirus.

Dr Hilary said that mouthwash brands jumping on the bandwagon could be 'dangerous'. Picture: ITV

Talking to Lorraine Kelly on her morning show on Monday, Dr Hilary explained: "COVID of course lives in the nose and the lungs as well as in your mouth, so a mouthwash I don't think can really justify any claims that it can protect against COVID."

He went on: "There are some small studies that show it might have some benefits so if you only have a few virus lurking about, it might help, but I don't think we can say that for sure, and I don't think people should rush out and buy lots of mouthwash."

Dr Hilary has insisted there is no "strong evidence" to say mouthwash protects people from coronavirus. Picture: Getty

The resident Doctor for Good Morning Britain and Lorraine even revealed that mouthwash companies have been in contact with him looking for an endorsement.

He told Lorraine: "I've had so may offers from companies saying 'will you endorse our mouth wash?' And I say 'no I won't'."

He went on to explain: "A lot of companies jumping on the bandwagon saying 'well maybe a mouthwash would help', because it does kill some bacteria in the mouth, it can kill some viruses in the mouth."

Dr Hilary revealed he had been asked to endorse some mouthwash brands. Picture: ITV

This comes after Dr Hilary spoke about the study earlier on ITV during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, where he said that brands jumping on the bandwagon is "dangerous".

He said: "I think we need to be really cautious about this, it might help the sales of mouthwash right now but I don't think we should rely on it".

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