Manifestacioines orales en pacientes con SARS-COV-2. Revisión de la literatura

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to determine the main oral manifestations in patients with SARS-CoV-2 through an exhaustive literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An updated search was performed in electronic databases such as PubMED, SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar, and Scopus, 41 investigations published during the las two years (2020 and 2021) were analyzed, withouth language restriction and taking into account the quality of their high scientific value. Information reported by the World Health Organization and articles describing each of the manifestations were included. RESULTS: Recurrent oral ulcers, oral candidiasis, xerostomia, periodontal disease, and loss of sense of taste accompanied by olfactory disorders are the most frequent oral manifestations in patients with COVID-19. The virus causes multiple alterations at the level of the oral microbiota, which together with the ingestión of drugs and salivary disorders leads to the appearance of these injuries, which could determine an early diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: Oral lesions associated with SARS-CoV-2 are due to the strong action produced by the virus in combination with the patient´s immunosuppressed state, oral hygiene deficit, and bacterial and/or viral coinfections. They mainly affect elderly people and those with some comorbidities, generally manifesting at the onset of the disease or a few days after the diagnosis of coronavirus. The most affected areas are the palate, tongue, inner labial mucosa, and cheeks.