A new study shows mouthwash may help fight against the coronavirus.

Scientists at Cardiff University say that mouthwashes containing at least 0.07% cetypyridinium chloride (CPC) showed "promising signs" of being able to eradicate the virus when exposed to it in a lab.

Researchers say some over-the-counter mouthwashes, like Listerine, were able to destroy the virus within 30 seconds of exposure. However, these results do not prove it is an effective treatment for COVID-19.

Mouthwash does not reach the respiratory tract where COVID-19 attacks. "Yes. There is some data out there -- I am not saying it's great data -- that fill-in-the-blank substance inactivates or inhibits replication of coronavirus," says Dr. Graham Snyder, associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Snyder points out that none of the studies show that mouthwash can reduce the risk of either catching or transmitting the virus.