PURPOSE: To review the literature on the use of povidone prior to dental treatment for the reduction of viruses in the oral cavity. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane databases published from January 2019 to June 2020 were reviewed. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed by two authors separately. A qualitative review of the data was performed. RESULTS: There were no randomized controlled trials or clinical observation studies on the curative or preventive effect of povidone against COVID-19, but there are clinical trial protocols in the recruitment process. The use of a dose between 0.2% to 2.5% is recommended four times a day for 15-30 seconds. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Povidone mouthwash could be a viable solution before dental care that should be studied to reduce the viral load off COVID-19.