Oral manifestations associated with SARS CoV-2

Abstract

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a great impact as a result of its spread throughout the world. It presents as an infection that produces a severe acute respiratory syndrome, which has been characterized by fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as other systemic manifestations.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of the oral cavity and the oral manifestations associated with SARS CoV-2.

Methods: A review of the scientific literature on the subject was carried out. The bibliographic and data bases were consulted: MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO and LILACS. In the search and analysis of the information, the following terms were used: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, oral cavity, oral manifestations. No language restrictions were applied.

Information analysis and synthesis:  The oral cavity is considered the host to initiate the invasion of the virus, this brings with it the appearance of a series of oral manifestations such as: dysgeusia and anosmia, infections of the salivary glands such as parotitis, xerostomia, alterations of the oral mucosa with erythematous lesions, ulcers, blisters, petechiae, candidiasis, necrotizing ulcer gingivitis, prominent tongue papillae, chapped lips, and scaly gingivitis; therefore it is vital to know these signs and symptoms, even in the asymptomatic stages.

Conclusions: There is evidence about the oral clinical manifestations that can be associated with COVID-19, hence the importance of better understanding this topic for future studies.