The mouth, oral health, and infection with SARS-CoV-2: An underestimated topic

Abstract

With the present review, we propose recognizing and analyzing some fundamental aspects recently reported in the literature, which relate the oral cavity to SARS CoV-2 infection. A literature search was performed in Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo and the medRivx preprint server. There, articles published during 2019 and 2020 were selected from research associated with oral cavity, COVID 19, SARS-CoV-2, viral diagnosis in saliva and the use of mouth rinses as a possible mechanism to reduce viral load. A total of 33 articles related to oral cavity; SARS-CoV-2 infection; oral manifestations of COVID 19; symptomatology, saliva diagnosis, and the use of mouth rinses to minimize the risk of infection were selected. The oral manifestations of COVID 19 were recognized among the findings; also, the potential of the oral cavity as a site of infection and viral dissemination to other organs was evidenced and the role of saliva as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2. Knowledge about the oral cavity and the relationship with SARS-CoV-2 is limited, making necessary a better understanding the oral manifestations during COVID-19, symptoms and possible complications in the mouth. The need for the establishment of infection prevention strategies during dental practice is identified.