Sir, there is increasing evidence that a number of retail mouthwashes and dentifrices can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It has been suggested that these products could potentially be an adjunct to other measures which the public have been advised to adopt to reduce transmission of the virus.

Given the safety, ubiquity and high levels of use of such products by the public, there would appear to be no significant downside risk associated with pre-empting the outcome of ongoing research in this area, and advocating that those travelling on public transport, visiting high street businesses and those making bubble visits perform thorough oral hygiene procedures beforehand and as close to the time of contact with others as practical.

Given the primacy and experience of the dental profession in communicating dental health education to the public and its potential capacity to do so directly with patients, there would appear to be an argument for assessing the potential for the profession to convey government-supported advice, directly to patients, electronically.