Preprocedural Use of Povidone-Iodine Mouthwash during Dental Procedures in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

A bizarre situation has been created in the lives of individuals across the globe due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19)'s uncertain time and the severity of its consequences. Since December 2019, health care workers are endeavoring on effective treatment plans and implementing strategies to control the spread of the virus. Clinical symptoms of the disease vary from mild respiratory depression to severe organ failure.[1] A recently published global survey assessed the level of fear and practice modifications by dental practitioners worldwide, while it further emphasized on following guidelines by health policy departments.[2] Respiratory droplets generated during human-to-human interaction are acknowledged as the source of its transmission, hence creating an alarming situation for the health care workers as they are frontline workers, exposed to the highest viral load.[3] Excessive viral load found in the nasal cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and saliva is the reason behind the highest transmission risk in a dental care.[4] [5] Saliva can be an important diagnostic tool for rapid mass detection of patients based on the fact that it is an essential biomarker, used for diagnosing several viral and bacterial infections.[6]