Impact of mouthwashes on salivary viral load of COVID-19, what do we really know?
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted directly or indirectly through saliva. Given the current lack of effective treatment, there is a need to explore alternative methods to contain the spread of infection. The use of mouthwashes indicated in periodontology, because of the presence of active components against viruses, could constitute an "adjuvant" treatment in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, favouring possible improvements for the individual or collective protection on of caregivers and populations which can, according to the results, lead to sufficient actions to be employable during the current pandemic. But what is it really about?
Learning Objectives
- Identify the active ingredients periodontal mouthwashes that could impact or not the salivary load of SARS2
- Understand the relationship between the salivary and nasopharyngeal load of SARS2
- Know the level of evidence that may justify the use of mouthwash in virology
- Appreciate clinical procedures to reduce the risk of contamination in the dental office
- Contribute to reducing individual and community transmission