At DENTAID, we want to highlight the important role that oral health plays. Coinciding with World Oral Health Day, we have launched an awareness campaign whose aim is to convey the importance of the mouth as one of the routes of entry of viruses and bacteria into the body and how good oral hygiene can help as a preventive measure.

There is increasing evidence about the relationship between the oral cavity and other parts of the body. The mouth is not an isolated system: oral health is related to general health. There are systematic diseases in other parts of the body that have repercussions on the oral cavity, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, among others. In addition, people with periodontitis may be at higher risk of suffering from these conditions.

Likewise, certain oral disorders can have repercussions on quality of life, such as xerostomia, dental hypersensitivity or halitosis.

In this sense, it should be noted that the mouth is one of the main routes of entry, infection and transmission of diverse microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, such as influenza or the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

With regard to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, different studies show that during the first 7-10 days, when the patient is highly contagious (whether or not symptomatic), the virus can be detected in the upper respiratory tract (mouth, nose and throat) and in saliva. Therefore, the mouth, in addition to being a route of entry, is also considered a route of transmission of this virus.

That is why, at certain times, when the risk of these infections is higher, as is the case in the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to take all preventive measures that are within our reach. In addition to the use of masks, social distancing and hand washing, stepping up oral hygiene measures during this time is recommended for active oral protection.

The use of CPC mouthwashes as a daily oral hygiene measure          

Among the special precautions to be taken during this pandemic, numerous experts and scientific and medical societies worldwide propose the use of mouthwashes containing certain antiseptics, such as Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), as a measure to reduce the viral load in the mouth and, this way, to reduce the transmission of the virus.

Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) is a safe and effective daily-use antiseptic. CPC has been used for decades for its antiplaque action, and recently, various in vitro studies have been published that show its high efficacy in inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and reducing its infectivity.

The hypothesis, which must be validated through clinical trials, is that CPC could help reduce the viral load in the mouth of some viruses responsible for respiratory infections and, this way, reduce the risk of transmission from a carrier to a healthy individual.

Thanks to you dentists, hygienists, pharmacists and medical staff for all your work. Now more than ever, good oral health is key to people’s good general health.