Inflammatory Processes, Viral Infections and Dental Practice during Covid-19

Abstract

The mouth is a natural reservoir of several microorganisms resulting from various ecological determinants, being conducive to contagion, as it is an open system for contamination, to which the oral health team is exposed. This microbiota, in general, is in harmony with the host and is quite relevant, as it contributes to the development of the mucous immune system. However, local and/or systemic changes can result in imbalance and clinical manifestation of diseases in the mouth, as reported in this chapter, about coronavirus, hepatitis, herpes, varicella-zoster, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, ebola, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Oral hygiene is essential to maintain harmony between normal oral microbiota and external contamination, and, as is known, the mouth is part of the digestive and respiratory system and, in this moment of the lethal and quite contagious SARS-VOC 2 pandemic, the dental practice needs to reinforce biosafety care and reduce the vulnerability of staff and patients, in order to favor the good practices of home dental care, outpatient and/or hospital assistance.