As dental practices remain open, many dentists are taking extra precautions to protect themselves, their staff and their clients during consultations. There is one scientifically proven secret weapon which professionals are turning to for extra protection against Covid-19.
Whilst many dental professionals are grateful and relieved to be able to keep the doors of their practices open during the third lockdown, some report they’re feeling vulnerable and exposed to the Covid-19 virus. Whilst PPE is generally regarded as the most effective and trusted of protective measures, many are introducing additional products they know are rooted in science.
Dental Hygienist, Tim Ives, says “Since dental clinics are safe to attend and remain open during this lockdown, we’re seeing more and more dental professionals using their own chosen techniques for additional protection against the Covid-19 virus – not only for themselves, but for their staff and their patients too. I know many dental professionals who use the xylitol-based Xlear Nasal Spray regularly, twice a day, before and after practice as they feel it provides extra protection, in addition to the standard PPE they wear and other cross infection strategies they have in place.”
Xylitol’s anti-bacterial and anti-viral capacity is well known to dentists
Tim explains “Xlear Nasal Spray is favoured by dental professionals because it contains an ingredient which is familiar to them – xylitol – which is well-known for its anti-bacterial qualities and is often used in many dental products (including sugar free gum and toothpastes).”
He continues” Encouragingly, we’ve seen a number of recent US-based laboratory trials that prove the efficacy of Xylitol for killing the Covid-19 virus, which is why dental professionals opt for Xlear Nasal Spray themselves. Many are impressed with the findings of the studies and have first-hand knowledge of Xylitol’s capacity to kill bacteria and viruses”.
The recent scientific research to which Tim refers demonstrated that in laboratory conditions, Xlear Nasal Spray is proven to reduce the viral load in the nose, which is vital in fighting COVID-19. Research shows COVID-19 primarily infects and spreads through the upper respiratory system. By reducing viral load in the nose, nasal sprays like Xlear can help limit the severity and transmission of Covid19. (1)
Xlear Nasal Spray’s components are antiviral, which means they block viral adhesion in the nose. A recent study carried out at The University of Tennessee on SARS-CoV-2 concluded “Xylitol exhibits antiviral activity on SARS-CoV-2.” (2)
Peer-reviewed case studies indicate Xlear Nasal Spray helps in treating COVID-19: A first-look trial at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami determined “The patients demonstrated an improvement in the symptoms and a reduction in the clinical course post use of xylitol plus GSE in the form of a nasal spray, commercially available as Xlear nasal spray.” (3)
Tim explains why the nose is an important place to target when it comes to protection against the Covid-19 virus. “Our nose is a very effective natural filter and does a great job at keeping many airborne viruses at bay. Our noses filter 98% of bacteria and allergens so breathing through our noses is recommended if you’re looking for protection. In my opinion, ensuring you are breathing through your nose compared with breathing through your mouth is just as important to protect you from viruses as wearing a face mask.”
Xylitol nasal disinfectant and viral inhibitor
Some practices already ask patients to use a pre-procedural rinse in the practice, and there are several available. In dentistry, clinicians have come to know xylitol as an inhibitor of tooth decay, and dental professionals often asked patients to use a xylitol-containing gum to reduce early oral bacteria However, they almost never think of the nasopharynx or oropharynx as a seeding or staging area for oral problems. Studies have also shown the reduction of virus in the nose and sinus, (4) in particular, SARS-CoV-2, is affected by the ingredients in Xlear. (5) As dental professionals ask patients to be more mindful before their appointments, it is possible to ask them to disinfect their noses for a few days before an appointment.
Figure 1: Rates of Xlear xylitol nasal spray effectiveness against COVID-19 source: commonsensemedicine.org.
Dosing with a xylitol nasal spray has always been two sprays in each nostril before retiring and upon awakening. The same dosing was followed in two studies using Xlear xylitol nasal spray which are in review now. In short, a xylitol nasal spray makes it difficult for the viral attachment mechanisms to work (figure 1). For more information, please visit https://www.xlear.com/
REFERENCES
1 –https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2768627.
2 – https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.08.19.225854v1.full.pdf.
3 – https://www.cureus.com/articles/43909-potential-role-of-xylitol-plus-grapefruit-seed-extract-nasal-spray-solution-in-covid-19-case-series.
4- Dunn JD, Dion GR, McMains KC. Efficacy of nasal irrigations and nebulisations for nasal symptom relief. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;21(3):248-251. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e32835f80bb
5- Information you should know about COVID-19. Common Sense Medicine. https://commonsensemedicine.org/information-you-should-know-about-covid-19/
