Mouthwash vs. COVID: small study tests if a rinse cuts virus in breath

NCT ID NCT04931004

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early study tested whether over-the-counter mouthwash could lower the amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus people breathe out. 34 adults with recent COVID-19 used mouthwash or water, and researchers measured virus in their breath and saliva before and after rinsing. The goal was to see if mouthwash might reduce how much virus spreads into the air, not to treat or prevent illness.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: mouthwash (cetylpyridinium chloride)
What this could lead to: If mouthwash temporarily lowers virus in breath, it might help reduce spread in close-contact settings.
What could go wrong: Very early, tiny study (34 people). Only measures short-term viral load in breath/saliva, not infection or transmission. Mouthwash cannot treat or prevent COVID-19.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COVID19

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Hospital

Newark, New Jersey, 07103, United States

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