A mixture has been identified that can rapidly deactivate SARS-CoV-2 and similar viruses for use during dental office procedures to prevent viral transmission.

During routine dental procedures, aerosolized droplets containing water, a patient’s saliva and blood, microorganisms and other debris are produced as a result of commonly used dental equipment such as drills, ultrasonic scalers and air-water syringes. All of these devices require a waterline to irrigate a patient’s oral cavity during these procedures. If a dental patient is infected with a virus, such as SARS-CoV-2, then these aerosolized droplets pose a risk to the dental practitioners, hygienists, staff as well as other dental patients who become environmentally exposed. Deactivating these aerosolized viral particles will help ensure the safety of all healthcare workers and patients by keeping the dental workspace environment sterile. 

The inventors have identified a safe and cost effective anti-viral mixture that can be used in place of water to irrigate the oral cavity during dental procedures. These anti-viral solutions rapidly deactivate viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, to prevent viral transmission. 

Water-based mixtures with anti-viral agents irrigate the oral cavity during dental procedures. The inventors have shown that these mixtures can deactivate viral particles that may become aerosolized during dental procedures.

As an example, the inventors have demonstrated that Herpes Simplex Virus -1 (HSV1) is deactivated within 30 seconds when treated with these solutions. Anti-viral compounds in these mixtures are safe for use in humans at the concentrations tested.

• Rapidly deactivates enveloped viruses within 30 seconds
• Safe, non-toxic for routine dental office or hospital use
• Easy scaling, low-cost ingredients and simple production of active solutions
• Does not stain clothing or equipment