Researchers at Duke University, NC found sites in the oral cavity where the coronavirus can take hold and even mutate. These areas include the lips, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, and the front two thirds of the tongue. The upper and lower gums, the floor, the bony roof, tonsils, and the small area behind the wisdom teeth are also places where COVID may start in the mouth.
COVID May Start in the Mouth, Replic ate and Spread
University of North Carolina (UNC) collaborated with National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to explore these findings. They believe the coronavirus takes hold of the salivary glands in the oral cavity where it replicates. This can lead to severe disease if swallowed saliva finds its way into the gastrointestinal tract, or lungs.
This finding that COVID may start in the mouth points research towards a third site in addition to the nose and lungs. ‘Like nasal infection, oral infection could underlie the asymptomatic spread that makes this disease so hard to contain.’ So says lead researcher Kevin Byrd at UNC-Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. And Anthony R. Volpe at American Dental Association Science and Research Institute.
This Highlights the Mouth as Source of Asymptomatic Spread
Seth Gulledge at Biz Journals agrees with the study authors that this is further evidence of the importance of wearing face masks. Of course, we must also manage spacing by staying physically apart, and sanitize our hands to destroy any contagion there.
Researchers now have fresh impetus to investigate loss of taste and smell among COVID patients, and also persistent dry mouth. The clinical trial involved 40 individuals with the COVID-19 strain. The team found the highest levels of Receptor ACE 2 in their salivary glands, tongue and tonsils per their report.
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Preview Image: The Oral Cavity Side View
