Mode of transmission of COVID-19, Oral Manifestations, Precautionary Measures/Clinical Strategies and Treatment Considerations in dentistry

Abstract

Background: So far more than 253 million cases & more than 5 million casualties worldwide, while more than 1 million cases and more than 28 thousand casualties have been reported in Pakistan due to pandemic of Novel Corona Virus (COVID19). At the end of December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak began in Wuhan China, which then quickly spread to entire world. The viral pneumonia was named “Corona Virus Disease (COVID19)” by WHO on 11th February 2020. On March 11, 2020; WHO declared this outbreak as “Pandemic”. Its mode of transmission includes contact transmission through mucous membranes of nose, mouth & fomites, and direct transmission through sneeze, cough and inhalation of droplets. It can be transmitted indirectly or directly via saliva, aerosols formed throughout clinical procedures and via contact. Clinical symptoms included fever, muscle ache or pain, cough. Incubation period of 1–14 days. In this pandemic, dentists are rated as highly exposed health care professionals to this disease Aims: To describe Coronaviruses and its modes of transmission and to discuss treatment considerations and precautionary measures or clinical strategies adopted by Oral health professionals to protect themselves and to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the dental setup Methodology: Since it’s a Literature review article, so no methodology was required as such Results: It’s a Literature review article Conclusion Standard precautionary measures and highly responsible behavior of a dentist will prevent the spread of this disease especially from asymptomatic patients. Keywords Aerosols generation, COVID-19, Dental procedures, Oral health professionals, Pandemic, Precautionary measures