Management of orofacial lesions with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and photobiomodulation protocols in patients with COVID-19: A multicenter case series.

Several oral lesions related to COVID-19 have been described in the scientific literature. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighs importance of supportive protocols, which can reduce the inflammation and aid in tissue repair in severe cases. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) alone or in combination with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) can be used to manage orofacial lesions in confirmed cases of COVID-19. Here, we sought to describe the clinical presentation and specificities of three cases in which aPDT and PBMT were used to manage orofacial lesions in patients with COVID-19. The laser protocols were effective with improvement of the orofacial lesions within a few days.

Xerostomia and Taste Alterations in COVID-19.

A recent letter published in the Ear, Nose & Throat Journal called attention to the hypothesis that the xerostomia reported in patients with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurs due to the neuroinvasive and neurotropism potential of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In fact, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), the main site of entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the cell, was found to be present in the ductal elements of salivary gland and several other tissues. However, some points are worth to be addressed.

Salivary Glands, Saliva and Oral Findings in COVID-19 Infection

The world is under the threat of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite several efforts to contain the disease spread, it still constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Several published reports in the scientific literature called attention of the oral cavity as the potential route of infection, the implications for dental practice and the use of saliva in the diagnose of the COVID-19. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the literature on the salivary glands and saliva in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A brief discussion of taste disturbances and oral findings in COVID-19 patients is also presented. The literature shows that SARS-CoV-2 could infect the salivary glands. It is not possible, however, to make speculations regarding them as reservoirs for the SARS-CoV-2. In addition, patients with COVID-19 presented several oral repercussions, including hyposalivation and taste disturbances. A few reports showed oral ulcers and blisters associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it remains not fully understood and might lead to erroneous assumptions. Overall, further studies are necessary to understand the real role of salivary glands and saliva in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Restorative dental treatment in times of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), numerous restrictive measures have been adopted by governments of different countries. The return to elective dental care in Brazil is a reality even during the COVID-19 pandemic. During restorative dental procedures, the dental professional requires close contact with the patient, being exposed to contaminated saliva and fluids. In addition, transmission of COVID-19 by the generation of aerosol produced by dental handipieces may be possible. Thus, the dental staff must know how to act during restorative dental procedures, putting into practice the correct clinical protocols to avoid cross-contamination and COVID-19 spread. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the biosafety practices especially in the context of restorative dental procedures in times of COVID-19. RESUMO Desde o surgimento da COVID-19, causada pelo coronavírus da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2), inúmeras medidas restritivas foram adotadas pelos governos de diferentes países. O retorno ao atendimento odontológico eletivo no Brasil uma realidade mesmo durante a pandemia do COVID-19. Durante procedimentos odontológicos restauradores, o profissional de odontologia requer contato próximo com o paciente, sendo exposto a saliva e outros contaminantes. Além disso, a transmissão de COVID-19 pela geração de aerossol produzido por peças de mão odontológicas pode ser possível. Assim, a equipe odontológica deve saber agir em durante o procedimento restaurador, colocando em prática os protocolos clínicos corretos para evitar a contaminação cruzada e a disseminação do COVID-19. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar a literatura sobre as práticas de biossegurança, especialmente no contexto de procedimentos odontológicos restauradores em tempo de COVID-19.

Salivary Glands, Saliva and Oral Findings in COVID-19 Infection

Abstract The world is under the threat of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite several efforts to contain the disease spread, it still constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. Several published reports in the scientific literature called attention of the oral cavity as the potential route of infection, the implications for dental practice and the use of saliva in the diagnose of the COVID-19. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the literature on the salivary glands and saliva in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A brief discussion of taste disturbances and oral findings in COVID-19 patients is also presented. The literature shows that SARS-CoV-2 could infect the salivary glands. It is not possible, however, to make speculations regarding them as reservoirs for the SARS-CoV-2. In addition, patients with COVID-19 presented several oral repercussions, including hyposalivation and taste disturbances. A few reports showed oral ulcers and blisters associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it remains not fully understood and might lead to erroneous assumptions. Overall, further studies are necessary to understand the real role of salivary glands and saliva in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Restorative dental treatment in times of COVID-19 / Tratamento dentário restaurador em tempos de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), numerous restrictive measures have been adopted by governments of different countries. The return to elective dental care in Brazil is a reality even during the COVID-19 pandemic. During restorative dental procedures, the dental professional requires close contact with the patient, being exposed to contaminated saliva and fluids. In addition, transmission of COVID-19 by the generation of aerosol produced by dental handipieces may be possible. Thus, the dental staff must know how to act during restorative dental procedures, putting into practice the correct clinical protocols to avoid cross-contamination and COVID-19 spread. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the biosafety practices especially in the context of restorative dental procedures in times of COVID-19.