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Can toothbrushing reduce the intraoral viral load of SARS-CoV-2? A pilot study with a dentifrice containing an antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative

Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess whether toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing an antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative (APD) can reduce the intraoral viral load of SARS-CoV-2. Twenty COVID-19-positive dentate patients aged ≥18 years were selected instructed to brush their teeth for 2 min with a dentifrice containing APD. Self-collected samples of unstimulated saliva were carried out three times: T0 (baseline), T5 (5 min after toothbrushing), and T30 (30 min after toothbrushing). The analysis of viral RNA was performed by RT-qPCR for detection of three viral genes (ORF1ab, N and S genes). Results were statistically tested using Friedman's test and pairwise comparison with Bonferroni corrections, with a significance level of 5%. There was an increase in the cycle threshold (Ct) value from T0 to T5 in 13 patients (72.2%), and from T0 to T30 in 14 patients (77.8%). In two patients (11.1%) no SARS-CoV-2 was detected at T5 and five patients (27.8%) at T30. The Ct values were statistically significantly higher (p=0.020) at T30 in comparison to T0 and T5. This pilot study suggests that toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing APD could reduce the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the oral cavity. However, further studies are needed to confirm this possible beneficial effect against SARS-CoV-2.
DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000487
Authors: Poleti, Marcelo Lupion, Gregório, Danielle, Bistaffa, Alisson Gabriel Idelfonso, Vilhena, Fabiano Vieira, Simão, Andréa Name Colado, Mori, Mayara Tiemi Enokida, Stadtlober, Nicole Perugini, Lozovoy, Marcell Alysson Batisti, da Silva Santos, Paulo Sérgio, Tatibana, Berenice Tomoko, Fernandes, Thais Maria Freire
Language: English
Field: Dentistry
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4400599666
FWCI:
Cites: 28
Cited by: 1
Related to: 10