PATIENT WITH POST-COVID-19 XEROSTOMIA IN LASERTHERAPY TREATMENT: CASE REPORT

Abstract

COVID-19 is an acute and chronic infection, became a pandemic in March 2020, decreed by the World Health Organization (WHO), being considered a major problem for public health, since then many symptoms associated with COVID-19 has been emerging, in addition to systemic problems. The oral cavity is a gateway to pathogens and autoimmune diseases, however after COVID-19 infection there were reports of patients complaining of a feeling of dry mouth, resulting from reduced saliva production, being diagnosed with xerostomia. This alteration has multifactorial etiology, related to factors such as the presence of autoimmune diseases, the use of medications, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with greater predisposition in females. Thus, the aim of this study was to report the clinical case of a patient who was diagnosed at the Center for Dental Specialties (DSC), in the municipality of Fernandópolis/SP, with xerostomia after COVID-19. A 46-year-old female patient, leucoderm, who during anamnesis reported the use of psychotropic drugs, and had a positive test for COVID-19 during intraoral physical examination, was observed dryness of the entire oral mucosa, which was reddish and bright. In addition, it was possible to verify the absence of saliva accumulation on the floor of the mouth. Considering the study of the clinical case, a literature search was conducted on the relationship of patients with the symptom and current prevention and treatment practices. The treatment indicated after research and diagnosis of xerostomia was the use of low-power laser, associated with drug replacement of the antidepressant. Despite studies reporting the association of COVID-19 oral manifestations have been increasing, it is still not possible an absolute certainty that relates the etiology of the disease to COVID-19 infection, however more hard-hitting studies on this relationship are needed. It is emphasized, however, that laser therapy treatment had a significant response.