Saliva: A Double-edged Sword

Authors: Rishitha Sajja

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijohd.13029.1758539227

Keywords: Saliva, COVID-19, dentist; infection; infection control, nasopharyngeal swab; oropharyngeal swab

Abstract: The COVID-19 virus is primarily known to affect the respiratory system of infected individuals. The mode of transmission is predominantly said to be through droplet spread, and this poses a great threat to the dental profession, as most dental treatments are aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). The virulence of the COVID-19 virus initiates an antiviral response after the viral genome is released into the human cell cytoplasm. ACE2 receptors are predominantly seen in the salivary gland and tongue tissues. The saliva collected directly from the salivary glands had shown nucleic acid of the COVID-19 virus. Most of the dental treatments involve exposure to saliva aerosol, blood, and sharp instruments. Hence, it is important to understand the role of saliva in the transmission of COVID-19. The present review throws light on the physiobiological aspects of Saliva, diagnostic tests available, and recommendations for dentists to facilitate dental treatment with low risk of disease transmission.