7 Best Virucidal Mouthwashes for COVID-19 according to Evidence (2025)

By Editorial Team -
The COVID-19 Omicron variants replicate to achieve high viral loads in the throat. Therefore, appropriate mouthwashes will likely reduce the viral load in the throat and thereby reducing the risk of severe disease due to the viral load in the lungs.

Credit: covid19criticalcare.com

One of the key approaches to minimize the risk of severe COVID-19 and also transmission would be to reduce the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the saliva and throat. 

Mouthwash is part of the FLCCC I-PREVENT Protocol

Best Mouthwashes for COVID-19 according to Evidence

There are lots of great mouthwashes out there, and this list is by no means complete. We’ve included therapeutic mouthwashes with proven anti-COVID-19 ingredient, you can buy over the counter.

1. Betadine (Povidone Iodine) Gargle - Mouthwash with 1% povidone iodine



Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 (more than 3,000 ratings)

The antiseptic povidone-iodine has immediate virucidal effects against COVID-19 virus. There are more than 20 published studies on povidone-iodine for COVID-19 (c19early.org/pmeta).

Povidone-iodine is no. 4 in this COVID-19 drug league table:


Instruction: Gargle twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
  • CONTAINS one 8 oz bottle (24 uses) of Betadine Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle for the temporary relief of occasional sore throat
  • TREAT AND RELIEVE SORE THROAT SYMPTOMS the moment you feel a sore throat coming on
  • FAST ACTING GARGLE From Betadine, the brand that has been trusted by healthcare professionals for over 50 years.
  • 0.5% POVIDONE-IODINE ANTISEPTIC GARGLE
  • MINT FLAVOR, ALCOHOL FREE FORMULATION
“Iodine is essential to not only fighting off an infection it is necessary for proper immune system functioning. There is no bacteria, virus, parasite or fungus that is known to be resistant to iodine.”
- Dr. David Brownstein

Betadine mouthwash side effects (Drugs.com) - Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Redness.
  • Very bad irritation where this drug is used.

2. Crest Pro Health Intense Mouthwash with CPC (Cetylpyridinium Chloride)

crest mouthwash
Buy on Amazon

Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 (more than 1500 ratings)

A meta-analysis of 3 studies (C19early 2025) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may significantly lower risk with viral clearance. One study shows significant benefit. Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 83% [6‑97%] lower risk. Results are consistent with early treatment being more effective than late treatment.

Cetylpyridinium chloride ranks first and leads the comprehensive COVID-19 drug league table below, featuring over 100 treatments. This compound, commonly used in mouthwashes, has demonstrated significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 by reducing the salivary viral load, thereby potentially lowering transmission risk and disease severity. Clinical trials have shown that a 0.05% CPC mouthwash significantly reduces viral titers shortly after use, supporting its prominent position in COVID-19 treatment considerations.


Another study, published in Nature (Takeda 2022) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations.

Another team of international scientists has also demonstrated the usefulness of cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes in inhibiting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and reducing the risk of viral transmission. The study is published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology (2022).

A scientific review, published in the Journal of Formosan Medical Association (2022) also concluded that mouthwash containing CPC shows potential for reducing the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the throat.

Instruction: twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
  • Active Ingredient: Cetylpyridinium Chloride 0.05%. 
  • Inactive Ingredients Water, Alcohol (15 Wt%), Propylene Glycol, Flavor, Poloxamer 407, Sucralose, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Blue 1, Yellow 6
  • 99% Germ Kill with no medicinal taste
  • Cooling sensation
  • Keeps teeth clean longer
  • Freshens breath
  • Fights plaque & gingivitis
Caution: Cetylpyridinium Chloride may affect the natural microbiome, especially with prolonged use.

3. TheraBreath Healthy Gums - Periodontist Formulated 24-Hour Oral Rinse with CPC


Buy on Amazon

A gluten-free, alcohol-free CPC mouthwash option.

TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) 0.05%, an ingredient approved by the FDA and clinically proven to kill germs linked to gum disease and other periodontal problems, and adds a sweetener, xylitol (but NO saccharin), to neutralize the decay process.

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: 
#1 in Mouthwashes category
#2 in Anesthetic & Antiseptic Oral Rinses category

It has over 23,000 customer reviews, most of them 5-stars.

4. Colgate Peroxyl (Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash)

Buy on Amazon

Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 (more than 18,000 ratings)

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7 in Mouthwashes category

Price: $9 ($0.53 / Fl Oz)

Chinese health authorities recommended the use of povidone–iodine (PI) and hydrogen peroxide-based mouth-rinses as a pre-procedural preventive measure, while the American Dental Association has advocated the use of 1% hydrogen peroxide mouth-rinse before dental examination.


Since SARS-CoV-2 may be vulnerable to oxidation, use 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (commercially available in the US) or 0.2% povidone iodine as a pre-procedural mouth-rinse (Int J Oral Sci. 2020). 

Instruction: Gargle twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
  • Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide 1.5%.
  • #6 best seller in Amazon Best Seller Mouthwash category. Review rating 4.7 out of 5 with more than 17,000 reviews.
  • Mouth rinses cleanses and promotes healing of minor oral wounds
  • Helps promote healing of: oral sores, irritations, mouth burns
  • Oxygenating action removes oral debris to facilitate healing
  • Soothes minor gum inflammation from dental procedures, dentures and orthodontic appliances
  • Antiseptic mouthwash, alcohol free formula

5. Scope Mouthwash

Scope mouthwash
Buy on Amazon

Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 (more than 800 ratings)

Price: from $9

A study, published in Nature (Takeda 2022) concluded that CPC (CetylPyridinium Chloride) may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection even at lower concentrations.

Another team of international scientists has also demonstrated the usefulness of cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes in inhibiting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and reducing the risk of viral transmission. The study is published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology (2022).

A scientific review, published in the Journal of Formosan Medical Association (2022) also concluded that mouthwash containing CPC shows potential for reducing the viral load of COVID-19 virus in the throat.

Instruction: twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
  • Ingredients: Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), Water, Alcohol (15 Wt%), Glycerin, Flavor, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Blue 1, Yellow 5
  • Kills 99% of bad breath germs in lab tests
  • Crest clean meets Scope freshness
  • Cosmetic mouthwash
  • Made in the USA with U.S. and imported ingredients
  • Original Mint Flavor

6. Colgate Zero with CPC

Buy on Amazon

Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 (more than 250 ratings)

Price: Check Price on Amazon

The biggest red flag on an ingredient list for mouthwash is alcohol, according to board-certified dentist Michaela Tozzi, DMD, since it can irritate the gums and oral tissue. Plus, it temporarily depletes saliva flow, which acts as the mouth's immune system. Colgate Zero is alcohol free and contains the anti-viral CPC.

Instruction: Gargle twice a day or after having been out for prevention, and three times a day for early treatment of COVID-19.
  • Active Ingredient: Cetylpyridinium Chloride
  • Kills 99% of plaque germs
  • 0% alcohol
  • 0% dyes
  • 0% artificial flavors
  • 0% artificial sweeteners

7. Iotech ioRinse Mouthwash


Customer Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 (more than 300 ratings)

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44 in Mouthwashes category

Price: $40

There is a new generation of patented iodine-based antiseptics that overcome the negative side effects of PVP-1. A new aqueous formulation with 100 times more I2 than contained in PVP-1 is now available, and the non-biocidal content has been reduced from 31,600 ppm to a few hundred ppm. This new formulation increases its effectiveness, safety, and shelf life, while also reducing staining, toxicity, bad taste, and potential irritancy. It is now available in mouth-rinses, concentrates, nasal sprays, and hand sanitizers offered by IoTech International (IoTech International).

Key Takeaways

With so many options available, you may wish to choose the mouthwash that is most easily accessible to you. Some people also consider alternating between two different mouthwashes with distinct active ingredients to potentially enhance effectiveness.

However, it is important to note that mouthwash alone should not be relied upon as a sole strategy to prevent or treat COVID-19. No single treatment is 100% effective. Comprehensive protocols typically combine multiple safe and effective measures, tailored to individual risk/benefit considerations and ongoing monitoring.

You should continue to follow your local health guidelines, including wearing face masks, practicing hand hygiene, and maintaining appropriate social distancing.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement for COVID-19 or any other health condition.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dr Peter McCullough: How to Detox Spike Protein from Body

By Editorial Team -
Image
Base Spike Detox According to Dr Peter McCullough (in a X/Twitter post): Base Spike Detox is what I am currently using in my practice for those who have had COVID-19 multiple times, one or more of the COVID-19 vaccines, or both and believe persistent SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein could be causing problems in their body.  I have arrived, based on the emerging scientific literature (1) and my clinical observation, that three OTC products are essential as a triple base combination: Nattokinase 2000 FU (100 mg) twice a day Bromelain 500 mg once a day Nano/Liposomal Curcumin 500 mg twice a day Related: Nattokinase, Bromelain and Curcumin from The Wellness Company Additional products can be added, including NAC, IVM (Ivermectin), HCQ (Hydroxychloroquine), fluvoxamine, low-dose naltrexone, and blood thinners, depending on the clinical evaluation and the syndrome. The therapeut...
Read more

New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1: Symptoms, Spread, and What You Need to Know in 2025

By Editorial Team -
Image
Overview A new COVID-19 variant, identified as NB.1.8.1, has recently emerged and is drawing international attention due to its increasing prevalence, particularly in China, and its detection in the United States and other countries. 1. Emergence and Spread of NB.1.8.1 Origin and Detection: NB.1.8.1 was first identified as a significant driver of rising COVID-19 cases in China. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed its presence in the United States, though as of late May 2025, fewer than 20 cases had been reported domestically. Global Spread: The World Health Organization (WHO) and multiple health authorities have noted that NB.1.8.1 is now spreading worldwide, with cases reported in several countries. Its rapid dissemination has raised concerns about potential increases in COVID-19 cases in various regions. 2. Variant Characteristics Genetic Profile: NB.1.8.1 is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage, featuring several mutations in the spike protein. These m...
Read more

How to Remove Spike Protein from Body: FLCCC I-Recover Protocol

By Editorial Team -
Image
Can you remove spike proteins from your body? Dr. Paul Marik and Dr. Pierre Kory are pleased to introduce the I-RECOVER: Post-Vaccine Treatment protocol, designed to help people who have experienced adverse symptoms after a COVID vaccine. Kory and Marik are both part of the FLCCC*, which was founded in 2020 to share early treatment protocols for COVID-19. Kory is an ICU specialist, triple board certified in internal medicine, critical care and pulmonary medicine. He now runs a private tele-health practice specializing in the treatment of COVID-19, so-called "long-COVID" and post-vaccine syndrome. *The FLCCC Alliance is now the  Independent Medical Alliance Note that there are significant overlaps between the symptoms and features of long COVID/long-hauler syndrome and post-vaccine syndrome. However, a number of clinical features appear to be characteristic of post-vaccine syndrome; most notably, severe neurological symptoms appear to be more common following vaccination. To c...
Read more

Front Line Doctors Ivermectin Protocol for Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 (2025)

By Editorial Team -
Image
The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care (FLCCC*) Alliance was initially formed as a working group during the early COVID-19 pandemic days in response to multiple early reports of COVID patients with an inexplicably high need for prolonged mechanical ventilation and an excessive death rate.  *The FLCCC Alliance is now the  Independent Medical Alliance Based on rapidly emerging clinical trials evidence, the FLCCC team has developed the   I-MASK+ protocol   ( is now divided into I-Prevent and I-Care protocols ) for prophylaxis and at home treatment of early stage COVID-19. Quercetin, zinc and a number of nutrients and drugs are part of this protocol, not only for critical care but also for prophylaxis and mild disease being treated at home. This article, we will dive deeper to provide the scientific background, related references and rationale of the FLCCC protocols. Update:  NB.1.8.1 COVID variant: Symptoms, Spread, and What You Need to Know  (June 2025) FLCCC ...
Read more

FLCCC I-Recover Protocol: Post Vaccine Treatment Protocol (2025)

By Editorial Team -
Image
Over the last three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed almost every aspect of our lives before we've had time to stop and question it. Although no official definition exists for post-COVID-vaccine syndrome, a temporal correlation between a patient receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and beginning or worsening of clinical manifestations is sufficient to diagnose as a COVID-19 vaccine-induced injury, when the symptoms are unexplained by other concurrent causes. Dr. Paul Marik and Dr. Pierre Kory are pleased to introduce the I-RECOVER: Post-Vaccine Treatment protocol, designed to help people who have experienced adverse symptoms after a COVID vaccine. Kory and Marik are both part of the FLCCC (The FLCCC Alliance is now the Independent Medical Alliance ), which was founded in 2020 to share early treatment protocols for COVID-19. Kory is an ICU specialist, triple board certified in internal medicine, critical care and pulmonary medicine. He now runs a privat...
Read more

FLCCC I-CARE COVID Treatment Protocol for Outpatients (2025 Edition)

By Editorial Team -
Image
Early treatment is critical and the most important factor in managing this disease. COVID-19 is a clinical diagnosis; a confirmed antigen or PCR test is not required. Treatment should be initiated immediately after the onset of flu-like symptoms. The multiple therapies and drugs in this protocol have different mechanisms of action and work synergistically during various phases of the disease. About I-CARE Protocol The information in this document is our recommended approach to COVID-19 based on the best (and most recent) literature. It is provided as guidance to healthcare providers worldwide on the early treatment of COVID-19. Patients should always consult with their provider before starting any medical treatment. Updates:  Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine Use Soared During COVID-19 Pandemic: 2025 Study 53,000+ Patient Study Finds Low-Dose Hydroxychloroquine Associated with Reduced COVID-19 Mortality in China (Frontiers of Medicine 2025) Note: highlighting his objectivity, while Pi...
Read more

Resolving Spike Protein Syndrome – Clearing the Spike from Blood and Cells

By Editorial Team -
Image
BY THOMAS E. LEVY, MD, JD As the acute cases of COVID have continued to decline, the prevalence of the Persistent Spike Protein (PSP) syndrome has continued to increase. The spike protein is that part of the COVID pathogen that attaches to ACE2 receptors throughout the body and permits the entry of the entire virus into the newly infected cell. There appear to be no cells, tissues, or organs in the body that are completely spared from this PSP attack once enough of it has been introduced into the body. The many mechanisms of action involved in the ultimate removal of spike protein. The persistent presence of the spike protein has been shown to be secondary to the inability to completely resolve a bout of COVID (chronic COVID or long-haul COVID) as well as the spike protein exposure from mRNA inoculation(s). And as more time has passed, the PSP syndrome following one or more mRNA shots has emerged as the most common reason for PSP, especially following a booster injection. Not surprisi...
Read more

Dr Peter McCullough Early Treatment Protocol

By Editorial Team -
Image
Well-respected North Texas cardiologist, Dr. Peter McCullough has impeccable academic credentials. He's an internist, cardiologist, epidemiologist, a full professor of medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine in Dallas. He also has a master's degree in public health and is known for being one of the top five most-published medical researchers in the United States and is the editor of two medical journals. McCullough et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2020 McCullough Protocol 2022 Updates:  How to Detox Spike Protein from Body  (November 2023) Use of hydroxychloroquine in multidrug protocols for SARS-CoV-2 (October 2024) Paxlovid for Vaccinated or Unvaccinated Adult Outpatients with ...
Read more

Find a Doctor to prescribe Hydroxychloroquine, Ivermectin and Early Outpatient Treatments (2025)

By Editorial Team -
Image
Treatment should start based on clinical suspicion as soon as possible, preferably within the first 3 days of symptoms. Perform PCR testing, but do not withhold treatment pending results. 'Early' treatment will make significant difference in outcome as opposed to late treatment.  Related: How can I get Ivermectin? See the directory of professionals in US below. Directory of Doctors (by State) Prescribing Effective Outpatient COVID-19 Therapy USA ​ MULTIPLE STATES (Telemedicine or online consultation) The Wellness Company ( twc.health ) Medical Specialty: Family Medicine, Functional Medicine Supported Protocols: I-PREVENT (COVID Protection), I-CARE (Early at-home treatment), I-RECOVER (Long COVID and Post-Vaccine treatment) Dr. Miguel Antonatos (IVM) (855) 767-8559  https://text2md.com (States: AL, AZ, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, ND, NE, NJ, NV, OK, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WA, WI, WV) ...
Read more

‘Turbo Cancers’ Linked to mRNA COVID Jabs? An Updated Review (2025)

By Editorial Team -
Image
Introduction The emergence of rapidly progressing cancers, termed "turbo cancers," has been observed in individuals following administration of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, raising significant clinical and scientific concerns. These cancers are characterized by an unusually aggressive growth pattern, with some cases demonstrating progression from initial symptoms to advanced stages within days or weeks—a timeline that would typically span months or years. Notably, these malignancies have been reported in diverse populations, including young adults without prior cancer history, pregnant women, and children, often presenting at late stages and exhibiting resistance to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. Canadian oncologist Dr. William Makis has highlighted this alarming trend, supported by case reports including one co-authored by Dr. Peter McCullough describing rapid tumor development shortly after vaccination. Potential mechanisms proposed involve mo...
Read more

Labels

Show more