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Saliva is a non‐negligible factor in the spread of COVID‐19
Author(s) -
Li Yuqing,
Ren Biao,
Peng Xian,
Hu Tao,
Li Jiyao,
Gong Tao,
Tang Boyu,
Xu Xin,
Zhou Xuedong
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
molecular oral microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 2041-1014
pISSN - 2041-1006
DOI - 10.1111/omi.12289
Subject(s) - saliva , covid-19 , transmission (telecommunications) , medicine , risk factor , cross infection , virology , outbreak , dentistry , disease , intensive care medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , electrical engineering , engineering
SARS‐CoV‐2, a novel emerging coronavirus, has caused severe disease (COVID‐19), and rapidly spread worldwide since the beginning of 2020. SARS‐CoV‐2 mainly spreads by coughing, sneezing, droplet inhalation, and contact. SARS‐CoV‐2 has been detected in saliva samples, making saliva a potential transmission route for COVID‐19. The participants in dental practice confront a particular risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection due to close contact with the patients and potential exposure to saliva‐contaminated droplets and aerosols generated during dental procedures. In addition, saliva‐contaminated surfaces could lead to potential cross‐infection. Hence, the control of saliva‐related transmission in the dental clinic is critical, particularly in the epidemic period of COVID‐19. Based on our experience of the COVID‐19 epidemic, some protective measures that can help reduce the risk of saliva‐related transmission are suggested, in order to avoid the potential spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 among patients, visitors, and dental practitioners.