SARS-CoV-2: Overview and Its Impact on Oral Health

Preprocedural Viral Load Effects of Oral Antiseptics on SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review

(1) There are limited clinical trials to support the effectiveness of mouth rinses when used as a preprocedural rinse against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of antiseptic mouth rinses as a preprocedural rinse in reducing SARS-CoV-2 oral viral load in-vivo. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted through November 2022 for the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The evaluated outcomes were quantitative changes in viral load and the statistical significance of that change after using antiseptic mouth rinses. (3) Results: 14 randomized controlled trials (RCT) were selected for risk of bias assessment and data extraction. (4) Conclusion: Within the limits of this systematic review, preprocedural mouth rinses may significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth, thus, reducing the viral particles available for airborne dispersion. Preprocedural mouth rinses may be an effective strategy for reducing airborne SARS-CoV-2 dispersion in the environment. Their use may be a preventive strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in selected medical and healthcare facilities, including dental clinics. Potential preprocedural mouth rinses are identified for use as an integral part of safe practice for healthcare protocols. This systematic review was registered with the National Institute for Health Research, international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42022315177.

Current SARS-CoV-2 Protective Strategies for Healthcare Professionals

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 was first reported in China in December 2019. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and spread primarily via an airborne route. Hand hygiene, surgical masks, vaccinations and boosters, air filtration, environmental sanitization, instrument sterilization, mouth rinses, and social distancing are essential infection control measures against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This paper aims to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based protective strategies.

Association between COVID-19 stress, coping mechanisms and stress-related oral conditions among Egyptian adults: a cross-sectional study

The present study investigated the association between COVID-19 stresses and oral conditions including gingivitis, oral hygiene, oral ulcers, and dry mouth. This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from adults in community settings in Alexandria, Egypt, between October 2021, and February 2022. Gingival condition and oral hygiene were assessed using the gingival and plaque indices. Participants were asked if they experienced oral ulcers during the past week and dry mouth during the past year. COVID-19 fears and coping were assessed using the COVID Stress Scale (CSS), and the Brief Resilience Coping Scale (BRCS), respectively. Oral health behaviors were assessed using the World Health Organization questionnaire. Regression analyses were used to assess the association between the dependent variables (clinically assessed gingival and plaque indices, reported presence of oral ulcers, and dry mouth) and explanatory variables (CSS and BRCS) after adjusting for confounders (COVID-19 status, oral health behaviors, smoking, age in years, sex, and highest educational level). The response rate was 88.8% (373/420). The mean (SD) age = 39.26 (11.45) with 74.3% females and 49.3% reporting completing high school or higher education. The mean (SD) plaque and gingival indices were 1.59 (0.66) and 1.39 (0.59), respectively. Only 20.1% reported the presence of oral ulcers and 41.6% reported xerostomia. Lower plaque score was associated with higher COVID-19 contamination fears (B = - 0.03, 95% CI - 0.05, - 0.02) and higher compulsive checking and reassurance-seeking (B = - 0.02, 95% CI - 0.03, - 0.009). Lower gingival score was associated with higher COVID-19 contamination fears (B = - 0.02, 95% CI - 0.03, - 0.002). Higher odds of reporting dry mouth were associated with greater fear of COVID-19 socioeconomic consequences (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.001, 1.09), and lower coping scores (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88, 0.99). The findings suggest an association between COVID-19 specific stresses and stress-related oral conditions and shed light on the possible link between mental and oral health, emphasizing the importance of integrated planning of care services.