Not Only Bacteria, Coronavirus Can Enter The Body Through Saliva Too
New Delhi: The speed with which new corona cases are coming is still a cause for concern. The recovery rate is going high but there is still not much reduction in the number of deaths due to corona, which is a cause for much concern. To stay safe from coronavirus, attention must also be paid to oral hygiene, along with masks and social distance.
AIIMS scientists claim that the virus can reach the body through saliva along with bacteria. Dr. Amrita Chawla of the CDR branch of AIIMS Delhi says that people who travel long during an epidemic, have a mask on their face. Due to this, the formation of saliva is reduced considerably. Food stuck between the teeth increases the number of bacteria that stick to the upper surface of the teeth, gums and tongue. The risk of infection increases due to food being trapped in the tooth and due to mouth temperature not exceeding 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, the risk of infection further increases.
According to the study published in the journal Springer Nature, viruses not only enter our body but can also enter inside. Research published in the British Dental Journal studied oral hygiene and acute viral respiratory infections. According to this research paper, poor oral hygiene was also considered as a reason for the elderly to suffer pneumonia. This may also be true for the COVID-19. It is believed that more than 50 percent of the deaths in corona cases are due to bacterial superinfection.
Pathogenic bacteria within saliva may accumulate in the lower respiratory tract. This can cause lung infections. Oral hygiene increases the movement of bacteria between the lungs. In 1918, influenza pandemic showed side effects of bacterial infections, says Dr. Amrita. In 2009, there were fewer deaths from H1N1 influenza virus and more deaths from bacterial super positions.
Dr. HS Chawla of Chandigarh PGI has told that Auckland District Officer Dr. TJ Hughes recommended Guar Gum with Boric Acid during Spanish Flu days. Dr. Chawla advises to clean the teeth thoroughly before traveling, rinse with salt water, clean the nose If you eat and drink during the journey, brush immediately. A clean and healthy mouth reduces the risk of viral infection.
