Is oral hygiene as important as hand hygiene during COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

Oral hygiene is an integral part of personal hygiene practices and should not be neglected. Similar to hand hygiene, oral hygiene is essential in reducing infection from the oral cavity, and thus, its transfer to the upper and lower respiratory tract. Although there is no randomized clinical trial, oral hygiene may imply to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to coronavirus disease pandemic potentially. At present, standard oral hygiene measures consist of thorough cleaning of all surfaces of teeth, interdental areas, and tongue daily. Oral health-care providers should emphasize its importance. Thorough toothbrushing for “Two Times For Two Minutes” in a day is an easy key to remember.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dental Patients Toward Cross-Infection and Economic Implications in View of Covid-19: An Online Survey

“…Now that many countries have opened the lockdown and the dental practices are reopening gradually, there is a necessity for the dental health care providers for installing features such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet irradiation units, fogging and fumigating machines, and for redesigning the waiting area in accordance with social distancing norms. 7,21,22 Also, they will have to curtail the number of patients to be seen each day to allow a sufficient time for disinfection between patients. Apart from this, dentists will also be responsible of providing adequate PPE kits and protection to their auxiliary staff.…”

Carta al editor respecto del suplemento 1, 2020 de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2

“…Lavado frecuente de las manos con agua y jabón durante 20-30 segundos o alcohol gel al 60%, por al menos 20 segundos asegurando cubrir toda la superficie de las manos; baño diario si es posible y aseo bucal 4-5 veces al día. [6][7] 2. Inmunizaciones a) La pandemia no debe impedir que se cubra en su totalidad el Esquema Nacional de Vacunación, de acuerdo con su edad.…”

Effectiveness of Online Oral Health Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…12 The Corona Virus Pandemic (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. 13,14 This disease started in Wuhan, China since December 12, 2019 and on January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as an epidemic on an international scale. 13 This disease has several main symptoms such as fever, persistent dry cough, and myalgia.…”

“…13,15 Covid-19 transmission can be through coughing, sneezing and inhalation of droplets containing the virus. 13,14 Oral, nasal, and mucous contact with the eye membranes can also be contagious. There are various clinical manifestations of this disease, such as manifestations on the skin and mouth of the patient.…”

“…13 WHO recommends maintaining hand hygiene by washing hands with soap in running water for 40 -60 seconds, or the use of sanitizer containing alcohol for 20 seconds. 14 The WHO declaration regarding the COVID-19 pandemic condition makes dental services limited to emergency cases. March 25, 2020, the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) in the UK recommends that all dental care be carried out by applying dental emergency triage and providing analgesics and antimicrobial care without involving contact between the dentist and the patient.…”