Why Do People With Diabetes Have a High Risk for Severe COVID-19 Disease?—A Dental Hypothesis and Possible Prevention Strategy

摘要

The alarming spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus makes it necessary to find the right measures to prevent and combat the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.1 Researchers have identified angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2) as the likely receptor with which SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells.2,3 Recent findings suggest that ACE2 is highly expressed in the oral cavity3 and detectable virus concentrations were found in saliva.4,5 Hence, the virus may predominantly enter the body via the oral mucosa. Gum disease (periodontitis) is known to cause ulceration of the gingival epithelium and weaken the protective function of the buccal mucosa. It can be postulated that this exposed ulcerated surface increases the risk of invasion by SARS-CoV-2.