Title

Impact of COVID-19 in Pediatric Dentistry: A Literature Review.

Authors

ACHMAD, HARUN; DJAIS, ARNI IRAWATY; SYAHRIR, SYAKRIANI; INAYAH, YAYAH; W., WIWIK ELNANGTI; FITRI, AMELIA; RAMADHANY, YUNITA FEBY

Abstract

Background: The on going COVID-19 epidemic has spread very quickly. World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30th January 2020 and called for collaborative efforts from all countries to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19. In pandemic conditions like today, dentists can be the first people to contact with an infected person; these people can become carriers and infect others. COVID-19 transmission during dental treatment can occur through aerosol inhalation or direct contact with saliva, contaminated instruments and surface, especially for children patient in pediatric dentistry. Objective: To review the impact of COVID-19 in pediatric dentistry. Literature Review: In the dental environment associated with pediatric dental care, oral fluids from patients or contaminated dental instruments or environmental surfaces create a potential pathway to spread the virus. Dental care procedures which include the use of instruments such as high-speed turbine handpieces and scalers for oral hygiene are associated with the formation of aerosols and large droplets of saliva and blood from patients. Discussion: For children able to split, pre-procedural mouth rinse with 0.5%-1% hydrogen peroxide should be used, as it has non specific virucidal activity against corona viruses. Dentists should avoid or minimize operations that can produce droplets or aerosols. Conclusion: On the other hand, if faced with a dental emergency, immediate intervention is needed, adherence to the strict protection protocols of each individual involved and environmental disinfection is very important to minimize the risk of cross infection.

Subjects

WORLD Health Organization; PEDIATRIC dentistry; NOSOCOMIAL infections; COVID-19 pandemic; COVID-19; DROOLING; DENTITION

Publication

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (09752366), 2020, p830

ISSN

0975-2366

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.31838/ijpr/2020.SP1.130