Novel corona virus and its risk to periodontists- how do we protect ourselves?

ABSTRACT

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID, commonly known as "COVID-19 Pandemic" has affected around 218 countries and territories across the globe. Coronavirus is a deadly virus which gains entry into the human body through various modes and causes symptoms such as dry cough, fatigue, coughing sputum, shortness of breath. The doctors are among the various frontline workers, who are at the greatest risk of contracting the COVID-19 infection. One of the major modes of transmission of coronavirus is the oral cavity. Hence, oral health care workers are at higher risk. Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and is associated with much common comorbidity making it a community health concern. Periodontal procedures are aerosol generating procedures and COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, so it can be easily contracted during aerosol generating procedures. Periodontitis and COVID-19 have both been associated with much common comorbidity so there is a possible association between them. The role of periodontists in preventing transmission of COVID-19 is critically important. Periodontists face direct exposure to oral fluids such as saliva and blood. So, precautionary measures are imperative for the periodontists so as to protect ourselves. Knowledge about the virus would be helpful in taking the necessary precautions. The aim of this review article was to understand the risk associated with the coronavirus and protection for periodontists in an unprecedented situation.