Could dentists be the first to diagnose COVID-19 due to oral manifestations?

Abstract

Data sources A search of electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) was carried out, with publication being set from 2019 to October 2020.Study selection Titles and abstracts from the original search were reviewed by two reviewers independently. Overall, 17 studies were included in the final analysis.Data extraction and synthesis Data extraction was conducted independently by two reviewers. Studies that were chosen were examined and the following data parameters were included: age and gender, COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, COVID-19 manifestations, treatment for COVID-19, cutaneous lesions, oral manifestations, days after COVID-19 diagnosis, treat/healing or oral symptoms.Results Seventeen studies were included; 14 articles were case reports, two case series and one systematic review. The results showed that dry mouth, dysgeusia, oral ulcerations and opportunistic infections were among the most common oral manifestations expressed in COVID-19-positive patients.Conclusion The authors recommended carrying out careful clinical intraoral examinations on both COVID-19-positive patients or any patients requiring dental care, as oral symptoms can still be the only or initial symptom of COVID-19.