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Hoffmann, D.

The role of the oral cavity in SARS-CoV-2- and other viral infections.

Clin. Oral Investig. 27, 15-22 (2023)
Publ. Version/Full Text DOI PMC
Open Access Gold (Paid Option)
Creative Commons Lizenzvertrag
Objective: This study aims to review the role of the oral cavity in SARS-CoV-2- and other viral upper respiratory tract infections. Material and methods: Data reviewed in the text have been researched online and also reflect personal expertise. Results: Numerous respiratory and other viruses replicate in the oral cavity and are transmitted via aerosols (< 5 µm) and droplets (> 5 µm). SARS-CoV-2 replication has been documented in the upper airways as well as in oral mucosa and salivary glands. These sites are also virus reservoirs that can infect other organs, e.g., the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, as well as other individuals. Laboratory diagnosis of viruses in the oral cavity and upper airways focuses on real-time PCR; antigen tests are less sensitive. For screening and monitoring infections, nasopharyngeal and oral swabs are tested; saliva is a good and more comfortable alternative. Physical means like social distancing or masks have been proven successful to reduce the risk of infection. Both wet-lab and clinical studies confirm that mouth rinses are effective against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Antiviral mouth rinses can inactivate all viruses that replicate in the oral cavity. Conclusions: The oral cavity plays an important role in viral infections of the upper respiratory tract: it serves as a portal of entry, a site of replication, and a source of infection by droplets and aerosols. Physical means but also antiviral mouth rinses can help reduce the spread of viruses and contribute to infection control.
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Publication type Article: Journal article
Document type Review
Corresponding Author
Keywords Aerosol ; Droplets ; Mouth Rinse ; Oral Cavity ; Replication ; Virus
ISSN (print) / ISBN 1432-6981
e-ISSN 1436-3771
Journal Clinical Oral Investigations
Quellenangaben Volume: 27, Issue: Suppl 1, Pages: 15-22 Article Number: , Supplement: ,
Publisher Springer
Publishing Place Tiergartenstrasse 17, D-69121 Heidelberg, Germany
Non-patent literature Publications
Reviewing status Peer reviewed
Institute(s) Institute of Virology (VIRO)
Grants DENTAID SL (Cerdanyola, Spain)