Coronavirus and the Dentistry care that you need to know

Health professionals, including dental professionals, are always susceptible to contamination by many types of parasites, as they are in close contact with patients and their body fluids. Therefore, it is essential to take some preventive measures to avoid contact and decrease the risk of contracting diseases.

With the advent of the new coronavirus, care must be taken to avoid this type of transmission. Therefore, in this text we will talk a little about the coronavirus and care in dentistry. Follow us and learn how you who are a dentist should protect yourself.

Coronavirus and its mutations

The first information about the coronavirus is that, in fact, it is not a new parasite. In fact, the first samples of the virus were isolated in 1937. It is a family of viral agents whose main characteristic is symptoms that affect the respiratory system.

Until last year, there were four known versions of the coronavirus that infected humans. Two of them were responsible for serious epidemics: the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The other two mutations show symptoms like the cold. Its occurrence is extremely common, and most people become infected with it at some point in life. It only causes more serious symptoms in vulnerable groups, such as children under the age of two and the elderly.

However, what has been drawing media attention and alerting health agencies is a new mutation in the coronavirus (COVID-19). The new agent, discovered in China's Wuhan province, is being called SARS-CoV-2.

The new virus stands out for its transmission speed, reaching almost 80,000 people (more than 98% of them in China) so far, according to WHO data. Its fatality rate is not as high as it seems; the real risk is related to the fact that the virus causes respiratory problems in vulnerable patients, especially the elderly.

There are still many discoveries being made about the new coronavirus, from the basic symptoms to the mode of transmission. Because it is a very recent disease, there is still no vaccine, and most treatments are still in the experimental stage.

What are the symptoms of the new coronavirus?

The symptoms of the new coronavirus are very varied. There are still cases where the infection is completely asymptomatic. Therefore, to effectively consider a case as being infected with the new coronavirus, it is necessary to have proof by laboratory examination.

However, there are symptoms that can be attributed to cases of the new coronavirus. One of the main ones is fever, especially if it is accompanied by breathing problems (cough, difficulty breathing or other airway symptoms). Conjunctivitis can also be one of the symptoms presented by patients with viruses.

It is important to note, however, that the case can only be configured as a suspected infection with the new coronavirus if it meets the following circumstances:
- Travel history to area with local transmission (according to the UN) up to 14 days before the onset of symptoms;
- History of close contact with suspected patients or showing signs of contamination by coronavirus up to 14 days before symptoms;
- History of close contact with confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in the last 14 days before symptoms.

The incubation period varies between 2 and 11 days, and symptoms may take a little longer to manifest. Therefore, for epidemiological risk, 14 days after travel or contact are considered.

If you, as a dental surgeon, get in touch with a patient who has symptoms, you need to describe the symptoms and refer them to medical attention.

The importance of care for health professionals

In each epidemic, health professionals are always among the groups at risk of transmission. This is because they are in direct contact with vulnerable patients and with body fluids, which can transmit a series of diseases.

In the case of the new coronavirus, this is no different. Therefore, it is very important to establish a relationship between coronavirus and care in Dentistry, as well as in other areas of health.

The care procedures to prevent the transmission of disease by health professionals is known as biosafety. This set of preventive actions, which includes the use of protective equipment and constant hygiene, has several benefits, among which we can mention the following:
- Avoid contact with patient fluids;
- Control the transmission of the epidemic;
- Protect other patients and the environment.

In the case of the coronavirus, the type of care must be increased. In principle, the person-to-person transmission identified by WHO is through droplets of saliva or mucosa of the infected person. Although there are only three confirmed cases in Brazil, it is important to take all possible preventive measures to avoid contagion and risk both your life and the safety of your dental office.

Guidelines for dental professionals

Since the emergence of the new coronavirus, both the Ministry of Health and other agencies have been publishing documents with guidance on how dentists and other health professionals should act to avoid contamination.

Regarding the new coronavirus and care in dentistry, it is important to follow basic prevention procedures. For the reasons already mentioned, it is always good to guarantee your safety and that of your office.

This includes hand hygiene with water and soap or alcohol gel at the five times determined by WHO. Washing should be done for at least 20 seconds, and nothing should be touched before carrying out the procedure in question. During the time you are working, avoid touching your eyes and nose, especially if you have seen a patient who falls under suspicious symptoms.

It is also essential to disinfect the office surfaces, and work equipment as well. Do not share objects for personal use with patients or colleagues. And, if you have symptoms, or contact a patient who does, seek or refer them immediately to medical assistance.

Always stay tuned for new information about the cases of the new coronavirus in Brazil. However, if you follow the prevention procedures properly, there is no reason to be alarmed.

Source: CEMOI – Centro Multidisciplinar de Odontologia Intensiva. Available at: https://www.cemoi.com.br/coronavirus-e-cuidados-na-odontologia-que-voce-precisa-saber/. Access on: 03/05/2020.