Abstract
Relevance. It is believed that the main cause of carious demineralization is microorganisms. However, the deterioration of the process is facilitated by the disruption of mineral metabolism in the oral cavity and, primarily, due to the insufficient supply of minerals naturally, from saliva. Aim: to study the effect of reduced functional activity of salivary glands on the intensity of the carious process and the sensitivity of teeth to stimuli in persons who have undergone COVID-19. Materials and methods. The studies involved 27 patients aged 18–42 years, 17 of them suffered from COVID-19. To compare the results, a group of individuals in the same age range who did not have COVID-19 was selected. All studied salivation rate, caries intensity, Green-Vermillon oral hygiene index (G-V), enamel solubility by TER test scale and the sensitivity of teeth to stimul. Results. In patients with COVID-19, immediately after recovery, pronounced hyposalivation (0.27±0.04 ml/min) was observed. After 1 year, this figure has not changed significantly; the intensity of caries increased by 35 %; the G-V index was at the middle level; the TER test had high rates and most of the patients with COVID-19 developed tooth hyperesthesia, which indicated that demineralization prevailed over remineralization. Conclusions. 1. In patients who have undergone COVID-19, enamel resistance decreases and the risk of developing a carious process increases and the appearance of hypersensitivity of teeth due to insufficient natural mineralization due to a decrease in the amount of saliva released – the main source of minerals entering the tooth enamel. 2. The microbial cantamination factor of demineralized enamel exacerbating the process is also not excluded. However, with good oral hygiene, the role of this factor is significantly reduced. 3. Persons who have undergone COVID-19 need dispensary supervision by a dentist, as well as medical and preventive measures that reduce the risk of developing a carious process. Key words: Patients who were sick with COVID-19; salivary gland function; enamel demineralization; caries intensity; tooth hypersensitivity.
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