The Mouth-COVID-19 Connection: Importance of the Oral Cavity for the Coronavirus — Part I

ABSTRACT

Background: The mouth plays a crucial role as an entry point for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The new coronavirus has been identified in saliva, and its viral load has been linked to the severity of COVID-19.

Types of studies reviewed: This study was designed as a narrative review. Medline, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2021 for articles in English that addressed the role played by the oral cavity and saliva in the coronavirus disease, with particular focus on viral presence in the oral cavity. All relevant scientific articles were included.

Results: Hyposalivation can increase the risk for respiratory infections and COVID-19. Oral lesions are rare in COVID-19 patients, with reports of sialadenitis, mucositis, geographic tongue, burning mouth, necrotizing gingivitis and viral enanthema. Transient loss of taste and smell are highly prevalent symptoms, likely related to neurological changes.

Practical implications: Given the importance of the oral cavity and saliva in the development and transmission of the coronavirus disease, as health care professionals, dentists have a crucial role to play during the pandemic.

Keywords:

• Mouth COVID-19
• saliva COVID-19
• oral health COVID-19
• oral inflammation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Shervin Molayem

Shervin Molayem, DDS, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry and completed a specialty program in periodontics at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. He is the director of the Mouth Body Research Institute and a periodontist in private practice in Los Angeles.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.

Carla Cruvinel Pontes

Carla Cruvinel Pontes, DDS, MsC, PhD, is a Brazilian dentist and researcher with a Master of Science degree in periodontology from the University of Sao Paulo and a doctorate in health sciences from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She works as an independent dental researcher and writer in Cape Town, South Africa.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.