MOH Debunks Claims That Mouthwash Can Kill Covid-19

MCO 2.0 has brought back many things we thought we left behind in 2020, from insane traffic jams, scrambling for groceries, to people rushing back to their hometowns. And now, we have yet another fake Covid-19 ‘cure’ that needs to be debunked.

Last night, the Ministry of Health (KKM) took to their official Facebook page to quell the claims that mouthwash could kill the Covid-19 virus.

“Before doing treatments that require dental aerosol (such as patch, scaling, etc.), we will ask the patient to clean their mouth with mouthwash. If you do dental treatment but don’t get asked to do this, ask your dentist,” they write in their post.

The KKM Dental department continued to explain that although dentists do use mouthwash as a preventive measure during treatment in the pandemic, that it isn’t a cure by any means.

“Remember, this is a PREVENTION step. Not a treatment for COVID-19. Just like when we use hand sanitiser. Just like when we wash our hands with soap.”

Despite mouthwash having povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine that can help kill bacteria and viruses, there have not been any studies proving that mouthwash can ‘cure’ patients who are already infected by Covid-19.

They finished off their post by urging all Malaysians to stay vigilant during this time of crisis and to refrain from spreading fake news online.

“If you want to use mouthwash, please. From a dental point of view, we really encourage it. But don’t make claims that they can be used to treat COVID-19.”

Also read: MOH & PDRM Debunk ‘Covid-19 Antidote Water’ Claims, Here’s What M’sians Had To Say