The Oro-Tonsillar-Nasal Hygiene Triad-A Paradigm Shift for COVID-19
Aspiration of bacteria from the mouth, nose and throat increases the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 due to the super infection which increases severity. In previous influenza pandemics, the deaths were mainly attributed to bacterial super-infections.[1] A similar pattern is with different strands of coronavirus, where the streptococcal adherence along the respiratory tract leading to pneumonia and lung inflammatory damage which inhibits the clearance of bacteria.[2] It is the responsibility of physicians to diagnose and treat all co-morbidities especially in older people and refer patients to the dentist who should diagnose, treat and prevent all dental disease. The patients should learn oral, throat and nose hygiene and perform it repeatedly, especially at night.
Citation: Amrita Chawla, John Brownbill, Vijay Kumar and Sidhartha Sharma. “The Oro-Tonsillar-Nasal Hygiene Triad A Paradigm Shift for COVID-19” SVOA Dentistry 2:3(2021) Pages 97-98.
