Povidone Iodine (PVP-I) To Maintain Oral Health And Fight Common Infections
Published On: 24 Feb, 2025 2:41 PM | Updated On: 27 Mar, 2025 1:30 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 

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