IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TREATMENT OF XEROSTOMIA IN PATIENTS CONFRONTED COVID-19

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 caused by an emerging pathogen SARS-CoV-2 is able to lead to various pathological conditions in the oral cavity. Of huge importance is the risk of xerostomia which can occur in both during the height of the disease and after recovery from this novel coronavirus infection. A possible risk factor for xerostomia in patients with COVID-19 may be the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 by salivary gland cells. Efforts are under way in many countries to treat and minimize the so called post-COVID syndrome. Our clinical and epidemiological study was aimed at studying the effectiveness of the treatment of xerostomia in patients with COVID-19. The research question required an observational, prospective, sampling, controlled open before-after intervention study design. This paper describes the potential of using modern moisturizing polycomponent toothpastes in patients with signs of xerostomia who have undergone COVID-19. The study included 40 patients of both sexes, aged 32 to 44 years. 78 +/- 6.6% were female participants. Research methods such as medical and dental examination, sialometry test for measuring saliva flow, as well as statistical analysis and interpretation were used. Our research has shown that the application of moisturizing toothpaste can improve salivation and subjective sensations of this group of patients. In addition, we have outlined approaches to the construction of further clinical and epidemiological studies of effectiveness of interventions similar in nature. In turn, this will allow us to make more accurate and maximally unbiased judgments about prophylactic and therapeutic effects of such interventions.