A saúde bucal como reflexo no prognóstico de pacientes atingidos pela covid-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible infection, which can present severe cases leading to renal failure, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) and death. One of the biggest concerns is the care with hygiene, especially of the hands. However, oral hygiene needs to be intensified, as the mouth is one of the main ports of infection, replication and transmission of this virus. This literature review aimed to highlight the importance of adequate oral health as a reflection on the prognosis of patients affected by COVID-19. It was found that, as well as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, several complications in the oral cavity, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, have increased the probability of an infected individual being affected by more severe forms of the disease. The literature consulted shows that gingivitis and especially periodontitis are significantly associated with a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, including a higher probability of admission to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), need for assisted ventilation and a high risk of death. SARS-CoV-2 has specific receptor sites with which it binds to the oral cavity; and, apparently, the higher the viral load, the greater the severity of the disease. Thus, oral health care and hospital dentistry in the fight against COVID 19 expose effects on the prognosis of patients affected by the disease. The importance of dentists in the hospital environment is highlighted, especially in the ICU, helping to prevent the spread of the virus, since the oral cavity is the main route of contamination.