Fig. 1.

Saliva and COVID-19. The COVID-19 virus is detected in saliva of severely ill patients at higher sensitivity, as well as in asymptomatic carriers. The oral epithelial cells and the salivary gland ductal epithelial cells that express ACE2, the receptor for the COVID-19 virus, could function as cellular reservoirs for the virus. Dental healthcare professionals and co-workers are at risk for direct transmission of COVID-19 virus. The virus remains stable on inanimate surfaces for variable periods of time ranging from a few minutes to few days. Inadvertent transmission can occur by contaminating the instruments, work-surfaces and cabinets by hands soiled with saliva that repeatedly contact equipment in the operatory.