Clinical and Molecular Disorders Caused by COVID-19 During Pregnancy as a Potential Risk for Enamel Defects

Valdeci Elias  dos Santos Junior; João Victor Farias  da Silva; Fernando José Camello  de Lima; Cristine D. Almeida  Borges; Andreia Espíndola  Vieira; Leopoldo Cosme  Silva

Authors

Valdeci Elias dos Santos Junior
João Victor Farias da Silva
Fernando José Camello de Lima
Cristine D. Almeida Borges
Andreia Espíndola Vieira
Leopoldo Cosme Silva

Keywords:

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Dental Care, Dental Enamel, Child, Pregnancy

Abstract

This paper discusses the potential risk that COVID-19 generates for the development of enamel defects. This hypothesis was built based on the etiopathogenesis of enamel defects and the relationship with the symptom’s characteristic of COVID-19. Pregnancy is a critical period for the child's development; exposure to pathological agents can cause systemic imbalances and risks of adverse perinatal and prenatal outcomes. The main clinical symptoms of this disease and its association with that dental outcome were considered. Fever, breathing, cardiovascular disorders, and diarrhea were related as potential etiological factors of ameloblast metabolism imbalance, which can interfere qualitatively and quantitatively in the development, maturation and mineralization of the tooth enamel. Molecular disorders derived from COVID-19, as well as their clinical symptoms, can be considered potential risk factors for the development of enamel defects. Individuals with enamel defects experienced high stress levels during pregnancy or early childhood. The approach adopted may help build new research to ensure understanding of the etiology of the development of dental enamel defects and its relationship with COVID-19. However, longitudinal studies need to be conducted to confirm the association between COVID-19 and adverse events during pregnancy.

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