Written By: IJCP Editorial Team

Published On: 23 Apr, 2024 2:41 PM | Updated On: 26 Jul, 2024 5:42 PM

Povidone Iodine (PVP-I) To Maintain Oral Health And Fight Common Infections

Harmful microorganisms/germs in the mouth can cause-¹

• Dental caries
• Gum infections 
• Sore throats 
• Upper airway infections like the common cold, influenza, etc.  

Practicing good oral hygiene will help reduce the risk of these infections and maintain overall health.¹

You can gargle with Povidone iodine if you experience symptoms like-

• Toothache²
• Brown, black, or white staining on any surface of a tooth.²
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth²
• Gum bleeding²
• Gum pain²
• Gum swelling²
• Bad breath²
• Cough¹
• Runny nose¹
• Blocked/congested nose¹
• Pressure over the face¹
• Throat pain.^3,4
• Fever.⁴
• White patches of pus on the throat.⁴
• Scratchy feeling or dryness over the throat.³

Benefits of gargling with povidone-iodine

• It prevents and treats common upper airway infections.¹
• It reduces oral bacteria/viruses/funguses (including those responsible for the common cold, influenza, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and swine influenza viruses).^1,5
• Four times daily gargling can reduce the occurrence of respiratory infections.¹
• It reduces the need for antibiotics.¹
• It also fights gum infections and makes them healthier.^1,5
• It can stop bleeding after tooth extractions, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain in the days following surgery.^1,2
• PVP-I mouth rinsing before dental procedures lowers oral bacterial load.¹
• In children with severe caries, PVP-I use reduces the risk of the formation of new caries.^1,5
• Its short-term use does not irritate healthy or diseased oral tissues or produce adverse effects.¹
• It offers no microbial resistance.^1,5

PVPI comes as gargles, mouthwashes, and throat sprays that can be tailored to meet individual patient needs. ¹

For everyday oral hygiene, gargling followed by a mouth rinse with diluted or undiluted mouthwash is suggested.¹

Make PVP-I gargling a part of your oral care routine to enhance your defense against infections, ensuring a healthier, happier you.¹

Source-

1. Kanagalingam J, Feliciano R, Hah JH, Labib H, Le TA, Lin JC. Practical use of povidone-iodine antiseptic in the maintenance of oral health and in the prevention and treatment of common oropharyngeal infections. Int J Clin Pract. 2015 Nov;69(11):1247-56. Doi: 10.1111/ijcp.12707. Epub 2015 Aug 6. PMID: 26249761; PMCID: PMC6767541.
2. Oyanagia T, Tagamia J, Matin K. Potentials of Mouthwashes in Disinfecting Cariogenic Bacteria and Biofilms Leading to Inhibition of Caries. The Open Dentistry Journal. 2012;6:23-30.
3. CDC[Internet]. Sore Throat; Updated on: 6 October 2021; cited on: 13 October 2023. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sore-throat.html
4. NHS[Internet]. Sore throat. Updated on February 2021; cited on 13 October 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
5. Amtha R, Kanagalingam J. Povidone-iodine in dental and oral health: A narrative review. J Int Oral Health 2020;12:407-12