Betadine mouthwashes are effective against COVID-19
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 84/100
Multiple systematic reviews, clinical trials, and in vitro studies indicate that Betadine (povidone-iodine) mouthwashes are effective at temporarily reducing the salivary and aerosolized viral load of SARS-CoV-2.
Evidence for · 9
Antiviral effect of mouthwashes against SARS-COV-2: A systematic review.
2022 · cited by 21
A systematic review found that povidone-iodine mouthwashes effectively reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load both in vitro and in vivo.
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More for · 8
Review of the use of nasal and oral antiseptics during a global pandemic.
2021 · cited by 21
A review on nasal and oral antiseptics notes that povidone-iodine demonstrates the ability to significantly cut the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
Mouth rinses efficacy on salivary SARS-CoV-2 viral load: A randomized clinical trial.
2023 · cited by 19
A randomized clinical trial indicated that a 1% povidone-iodine mouth rinse significantly reduced salivary viral load compared to no-rinse controls.
Repurposing povidone-iodine to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission: a narrative review.
2022 · cited by 17
A narrative review highlights accumulating data supporting the antiviral effects of povidone-iodine against SARS-CoV-2.
The effect of mouthrinses on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral load: A systematic review.
2022 · cited by 13
A systematic review concludes that povidone-iodine-based mouthrinses appear to be an optimal option for reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load.
Efficacy of antiseptic mouthrinses against SARS-CoV-2: A prospective randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.
2022 · cited by 8
A prospective pilot study found that 1% povidone-iodine was effective in reducing oral SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, with virus becoming undetectable in several patients.
Efficacy of Mouthwashes Delivered via Dental Unit Waterlines in Reducing Aerosolized Surrogate SARS-CoV-2.
2026 · cited by 1
An experimental study demonstrated that povidone-iodine rapidly and effectively reduced aerosolized surrogate SARS-CoV-2 within 30 seconds.
In vivo efficacy of 2% povidone iodine, chlorhexidine gluconate, and herbal extract mouthwash on SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva: A randomized clinical trial
2023 · cited by 1
A randomized clinical trial observed a statistically significant reduction in salivary SARS-CoV-2 viral load following the use of povidone-iodine mouthwash.
The Role of Saliva and Mouthwashes in the Detection and Reduction of Oral Viral Load: A Scoping Review.
2025 · cited by 0
A scoping review notes that povidone-iodine mouthwashes produce measurable, albeit short-lived, reductions in salivary viral load.