Oral Mucositis and Nutritional Status in Children Who Underwent Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Comparison Between Nonmalignant and Malignant Primary Diseases.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies analyzing the association between oral mucositis (OM) and nutritional imbalance in children during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of this study was to compare the risk factors for OM and nutritional imbalance during HSCT in pediatric patients with nonmalignant diseases (NMD) and malignant diseases (MD). METHODS: Data on age, sex, primary disease, transplantation type, conditioning regimen, GVHD prophylaxis, gastrointestinal toxicity, OM, percent body weight loss or gain, nutritional repositioning, and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively collected from the 132 medical records. The data were then compared between patients with NMD (n = 70) and MD (n = 62). RESULTS: OM had a similar severity between the groups. The primary risk factor for OM in the NMD group was the conditioning regimen with busulfan, while in the MD group it was GVHD prophylaxis with cyclosporin and methotrexate. OM did not have an impact on body weight loss or gain in any of the groups. In the NMD, body weight gain due to fluid overload was more pronounced and associated with a lower age range. OS was similar between the groups and was not affected by OM. CONCLUSIONS: OM pattern was similar in pediatric patients with or without MD, but the factors that determined these oral lesions were different. There were disparities in body weight changes between the two groups, and these changes were not associated to OM.

Self-collected unstimulated saliva, oral swab, and nasopharyngeal swab specimens in the detection of SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the saliva of patients infected with COVID-19 has been confirmed by several studies. However, the use of saliva for the diagnosis of COVID-19 remains limited, because of the discrepancies in the results, which might be due to using different saliva sampling methods. The purpose of this study was to compare the consistency of SARS-CoV-2 detection using two different saliva sampling methods (oral swab and unstimulated saliva) to that of the standard nasopharyngeal swab. METHODS: Fifty-five subjects were recruited from a pool of COVID-19 inpatient at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), Brazil. Nasopharyngeal swab, oral swab, and self-collected unstimulated saliva samples were examined for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR. RESULTS: Self-collected unstimulated saliva demonstrated 87.3% agreement in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus as compared with the nasopharyngeal swab, while oral swab displayed 65.9% agreement when compared to nasopharyngeal swab and 73% when compared to self-collected unstimulated saliva. CONCLUSION: Unstimulated self-collected saliva samples have shown a higher agreement with the nasopharyngeal swab samples for SARS-COV-2 detection than that obtained when using oral swab samples. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study compares the accuracy of COVID-19 test using different saliva sampling methods to that of nasopharyngeal swab. Given the need for a simple self-applied test that can be performed at home, our findings support the efficacy of self-collected unstimulated saliva samples in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, alleviating the demands for swab supplies, personal protective equipment, and healthcare personnel.

Salivary antioxidant enzymes associated with oral toxicity in haematopoietic cell transplantation: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: In haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), oral mucositis and xerostomia are related to conditioning-related oxidative stress. The role of salivary antioxidant enzymes in oral toxicity is poorly described. The aim of this study was to verify the association between salivary antioxidant enzymes and oral mucositis and xerostomia in HCT. DESIGN: Saliva from autologous and allogeneic HCT patients (n = 77) was selected before conditioning (T0), during the neutropenia period (T1) and after marrow engraftment (T2). Salivary flow, total salivary proteins, and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities were measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in salivary flow, total salivary proteins and catalase at the three HCT time points. Glutathione reductase levels were reduced at T1 compared to T0 (P = .013) and T2 (P = .001). Superoxide dismutase levels were increased from T0 to T2 (P = .013). Neither of these enzymes was associated with oral mucositis. Increased superoxide dismutase levels were associated with xerostomia frequency. Levels of this enzyme also showed significant correlation with days of xerostomia in T2 (ρ = .40, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Salivary antioxidant enzymes changed before and during early periods after HCT. The increase in salivary superoxide dismutase suggested partial activation of the salivary antioxidant system and was associated with xerostomia.

Long-term safety of photobiomodulation therapy for oral mucositis in hematopoietic cell transplantation patients: a 15-year retrospective study.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has demonstrated efficacy in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis (OM) in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, based on the cell stimulation properties, its long-term safety has been questioned, mainly in relation to risk for secondary malignancies in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate if different PBMT protocols for OM control have association with immediate and late adverse effects in HCT patients. Data on autologous and allogeneic transplantation, conditioning regimen, PBMT protocols, and OM severity were retrospectively collected from medical and dental records. Presence of secondary malignancies in the oral cavity was surveyed during a 15-year follow-up. Impact of OM on overall survival was also analyzed. Different PBMT protocols for prevention and treatment of OM were recorded over the years. Severe OM (grades 3 and 4) was infrequently observed. When present, we observed a significant decrease of the overall survival. No immediate adverse effect and secondary malignancy was associated to PBMT. In conclusion, the PBMT protocols used in the study were considered safe. The low frequency of severe OM observed encourages the implementation of this technique, with a special emphasis on the dosimetry adjustments focused on the HCT context.

Is Salivary Busulfan the Cause of Oral Mucositis and the Changes in Salivary Antioxidant Enzymes After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation?

BACKGROUND: To determine whether the busulfan (Bu) present in saliva during hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) conditioning correlates with oral mucositis and the changes in salivary antioxidant enzymes. METHODS: Bu levels in the plasma and saliva of 19 patients who received HCTs were quantified. Salivary flow and salivary superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were measured during HCT. For the toxicity analysis of salivary Bu, an in vitro assay was conducted by exposing human keratinocytes to artificial saliva containing Bu. RESULTS: Plasma and salivary Bu concentrations were very similar (rho = 0.92, P < 0.001). Salivary Bu concentration correlated with the degree of oral mucositis severity (rho = 0.391, P = 0.029) and was inversely proportional to salivary superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (rho = -0.458, P = 0.036; rho = -0.424, P = 0.043, respectively). Cells exposed to Bu-containing saliva had fewer viable cells (P < 0.01) and more apoptotic cells (P = 0.001) than those exposed to non-Bu-containing saliva. CONCLUSIONS: Bu found in saliva during HCT conditioning was correlated with severe oral mucositis and the reduction in salivary antioxidative activity. Furthermore, Bu can be toxic to keratinocytes.

Association of oral toxicity and taste changes during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the taste changes and taste bud atrophy observed in the period of neutropenia of HCT and to determine the influence of transplantation toxicity on these changes. METHODS: Autologous and allogeneic HCT patients (n = 51) were selected to perform taste acuity tests prior to conditioning (T0) and during neutropenia (T1). The frequency and time duration of oral mucositis, presence of tongue depapillation, and salivary flow rate were also evaluated. Quality of life was assessed using specific questionnaires. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in hypogeusia (66.6%, p = 0.001) and dysgeusia (21.4%, p = 0.013) at T1, compared with T0. Bitter taste was the most altered, mainly when the patient underwent conditioning with melphalan (OR = 4.47, p = 0.049). Prolonged oral mucositis (≥ 8 days) (OR = 5.62, p = 0.039) and autologous transplantation (OR = 4.08, p = 0.033) were predictive factors for tongue depapillation. Changes in sour taste (OR = 10.70, p = 0.045) and reduced salivary flow (OR = 21.00, p = 0.013) were associated to body weight loss at T1. Taste changes significantly reduced the quality of life at T1, compared with T0. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of hypogeusia was high in the neutropenia period of the HCT. None of the taste changes was determined by oral mucositis, tongue depapillation, or reduced salivary flow, but melphalan conditioning reduced the bitter taste sensation. Loss of body weight and poor quality of life were associated with taste changes and reduced salivary flow. Further studies are necessary to elucidate this association and the risk factors for taste changes in HCT.

Retrospective study of the digestive tract mucositis derived from myeloablative and non-myeloablative/reduced-intensity conditionings with busulfan in hematopoietic cell transplantation patient.

Busulfan is a major component of chemotherapy conditioning in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This alkylating agent is highly toxic at myeloablative doses, exposing HCT patients to risks of mortality. Non-myeloablative (NMA) and reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) using busulfan have shown impaired toxicity. However, the toxicity of NMA/RIC in the digestive tract is poorly described. This study aimed to characterize the mucositis in the oral cavity (OM), oropharynx/esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract derived from conditionings with myeloablative and non-myeloablative doses of busulfan. We retrospectively retrieved clinical data of HCT patients (n = 100) who underwent myeloablative conditioning (MAC) or NMA/RIC with busulfan. Frequency and time duration of mucositis in the oral cavity and oropharynx/esophagus, diarrhea, and prescription of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and opioids were also collected. OM severity (p = 0.009) and time duration of mucositis in oropharynx/esophagus (p = 0.022) were frequently higher in MAC than NMA/RIC. A myeloablative dose of busulfan was a risk factor for OM grade ≥ 2 (OR = 4.8, p = 0.002) and for mucositis in oropharynx/esophagus ≥ 5 days (OR = 2.64, p = 0.035). A longer duration of mucositis in the oropharynx/esophagus was also associated with an increase in the prescription of opioids (OR = 7.10, p < 0.001).Overall survival (OS) in MAC was significantly higher than that in NMA/RIC (p = 0.017). No variables related to mucositis interfere significantly in OS. In conclusion, myelosuppression in busulfan-based regimens are predisposed to a high risk for severe OM and to prolonged mucositis in the oropharynx/esophagus.

Impact of Oral and Gastrointestinal Mucositis on Body Weight Alterations during Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether digestive tract mucositis is a predictive factor for body weight (BW) alterations during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Data about characteristics of transplantation, initial nutritional conditions and gastrointestinal mucositis were collected from adult patients (n = 105) who underwent autologous and allogeneic HSCT. Oral mucositis (OM) was not a predictive factor for BW loss, but it was an independent factor for BW gain in autologous HSCT (ß = 0.329, P = 0.021). Busulfan-fludarabine conditioning regimen (ß = 1.531, P = 0.011) and gender (ß = 1.109, P = 0.038) were significant independent risk factors for BW loss in allogeneic HSCT. Overall survival (OS) was significantly affected by the duration of OM in autologous HSCT (HR = 1.243, P = 0.008). In allogeneic HSCT, BW loss (HR = 1.308, P = 0.049) and diarrhea (HR = 1.139, P = 0.012) interfered significantly with OS. In conclusion, OM was not a risk factor for BW loss, but it influenced BW gain and had a negative impact on OS in autologous HSCT patients. Intestinal mucositis explained partially the BW loss and had a negative impact on OS in allogeneic HSCT.

Minor salivary gland biopsy for the diagnosis of familial amyloid polyneuropathy.

The diagnosis of Val30Met familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is based on genetic tests, clinical manifestations, familial history and biopsy of peripheral tissues (e.g. rectum, abdominal fat pad, sural nerve, and minor salivary gland) to confirm the presence of amyloid deposits. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of amyloid deposits in minor salivary glands biopsied from FAP patients and to investigate whether an association exists between the presence of these deposits and clinical features. Seventeen patients with FAP were submitted to minor salivary gland biopsy to confirm the presence of amyloid deposits. The histopathology of the salivary glands confirmed glandular amyloid deposits in nine symptomatic patients (sensitivity of 75.0%). In general, FAP patients who tested positive for glandular amyloid deposits exhibited significantly higher frequencies of sensorimotor and dysautonomic dysfunctions (p = 0.001) compared with those who tested negative. None of the patients reported xerostomia. Minor salivary gland biopsy may help confirm the diagnosis of FAP in symptomatic cases, as it is noninvasive, easy to execute, and causes minimal discomfort to patients.

Efficacy of cryotherapy associated with laser therapy for decreasing severity of melphalan-induced oral mucositis during hematological stem-cell transplantation: a prospective clinical study.

Melphalan followed by hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is the standard treatment for multiple myeloma and other hematopoietic neoplasms. However, high doses of melphalan cause severe oral mucositis (OM). The objective was to verify the efficacy of cryotherapy plus laser therapy on reduction of OM severity. HSCT patients undergoing melphalan chemotherapy (n = 71) were randomly divided into two groups according to OM treatment: oral cryotherapy performed with ice chips for 1 h 35 min followed by low-level laser therapy (InGaAIP, 660 nm, 40 mW, 6 J/cm(2) ) (n = 54) and laser therapy alone with the same protocol (n = 17). A control group (n = 33) was composed of HSCT patients treated with melphalan who received no specific treatment for OM. OM scores and clinical information were collected from D0 to D + 11. The cryotherapy/laser therapy group showed the lowest OM scores (maximum Grade I) and the lowest mean number of days (8 days) with OM in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.001). OM Grades III and IV were present with high frequency only in the control group. The association of cryotherapy with laser therapy was effective in reducing OM severity in HSCT patients who underwent melphalan conditioning.

Oral mucositis in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: clinical outcomes in a context of specialized oral care using low-level laser therapy.

OM is a painful inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa, derived from the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. High OM severity is frequently present in HSCT pediatric patients, who exhibit multiple painful ulcers that limit their mastication and swallowing, leading to poor nutritional status. Few studies have demonstrated OM clinical outcomes in young patients undergoing HSCT. Feasibility of oral care and LLLT on OM prophylaxis and treatment is also poorly discussed. The aim of this study was to describe a specialized oral care protocol that included LLLT for pediatric patients undergoing transplantation and to demonstrate the clinical outcomes after OM prevention and treatment. Data from OM-related morbidity were collected from 51 HSCT pediatric patients treated daily with LLLT, followed by standard oral care protocols. All the patients, even infants and young children, accepted the daily oral care and LLLT well. The majority (80.0%) only exhibited erythema in the oral mucosa, and the maximum OM degree was WHO II. Patients who had undergone autologous and HLA-haploidentical transplants showed OM with the lowest severity. The frequency of total body irradiation and methotrexate prescriptions was higher in adolescents when compared with infants (p = 0.044), and adolescents also exhibited OM more severely than infants and young children. We found that good clinical outcomes were obtained using this therapy, mainly in regard to the control of OM severity and pain reduction in the oral cavity. Specialized oral care, including LLLT, is feasible and affordable for HSCT pediatric patients, although some adaptation in the patient's oral hygiene routine must be adopted with help from parents/companions and clinical staff.

Cost-effectiveness of the introduction of specialized oral care with laser therapy in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the side effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), resulting in major morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of the introduction of a specialized oral care program including laser therapy in the care of patients receiving HSCT with regard to morbidity associated with OM. Clinical information was gathered on 167 patients undergoing HSCT and divided according to the presence (n = 91) or absence (n = 76) of laser therapy and oral care. Cost analysis included daily hospital fees, parenteral nutrition (PN) and prescription of opioids. It was observed that the group without laser therapy (group II) showed a higher frequency of severe degrees of OM (relative risk = 16.8, 95% confidence interval -5.8 to 48.9, p < 0.001), with a significant association between this severity and the use of PN (p = 0.001), prescription of opioids (p < 0.001), pain in the oral cavity (p = 0.003) and fever > 37.8°C (p = 0.005). Hospitalization costs in this group were up to 30% higher. The introduction of oral care by a multidisciplinary staff including laser therapy helps reduce morbidity resulting from OM and, consequently, helps minimize hospitalization costs associated with HSCT, even considering therapy costs.

Photobiomodulation minimizes taste changes during hematopoietic cell transplantation: A randomized clinical trial.

Prevention and treatment protocols for taste changes observed during hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are not well-established. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) in relieving taste changes and preventing lingual papillae atrophy. HCT patients received PBM (n = 42) on the tongue dorsum using an InGaAIP laser (660 nm, 100 mW, 1.1 W/cm2, 8.8 J/cm2). During the HCT conditioning (T0), severe neutropenia (T1), and after neutrophil engraftment (T2), taste acuity for sweet, bitter, sour, and salty solutions, and clinical appearance of lingual papillae were compared with those of a placebo group (n = 43). PBM significantly reduced hypogeusia, ageusia, and parageusia at T1 and T2, and also successfully prevented papillae atrophy during all the analyzed HCT periods. In conclusion, PBM enhanced taste acuity during HCT. The decrease in papillae atrophy indicated a potential regenerative effect of this therapy on tongue mucosa.

Antimicrobial oral lavage reduces the SARS-CoV-2 load in intubated patients: randomized clinical trial.

Background: The oral cavity can be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 and may play a crucial role in the viral transmission in the hospital environment. Objective: To investigate whether an oral hygiene protocol with chlorhexidine (CHX) used alone and in combination with hydrogen peroxide (HP) in the intensive care unit was effective in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the oral cavity. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 viral load was measured on oral fluid samples collected from patients undergoing orotracheal intubation. The study sample was randomly in: CHX group (n = 19) - oral rinse using only 0.12% CHX solution; HP+CHX group (n = 24) - oral rinse with 1.5% HP and 0.12% CHX. The samples were collected before the interventions (T0), immediately (T1), 30 minutes (T2) and 60 minutes (T3) after the procedure. Results: A significant viral load reduction was observed at T1 (mean ± SD:-0.57 ± 0.19 log10;-73.2%;p = 0.022) in the HP+CHX group. No statistically significant differences between any time points were observed in the CHX group. Conclusion: The HP+CHX oral rinses significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the oral fluid immediately after the procedure. The CHX oral rinse alone did not result in any significant viral load reductions.

Efficacy of mouthrinses in reducing oral SARS-COV-2 load: a review.

Accumulated evidence has shown that the oral cavity may be an important reservoir for SARS-CoV-2. Some authors have suggested that the use of mouthrinses could reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the saliva. Thus, the aim of this review was to synthesize evidence about the efficacy of mouthrinses in reducing the salivary viral load of SARS-CoV-2. 2. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the efficacy of different mouthrinses in reducing salivary SARS-CoV-2 loads. Various active ingredients have been tested in these trials: 0.5%,1% and 2% povidone-iodine, 0.2% and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), 0.075% CPC with Zinc lactate, 1% and 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP), 1.5% HP + 0.12% CHX and ß-cyclodextrin and citrox. The studies reported an intra-group reduction in the salivary levels of the virus, when compared with the baseline. However, the majority of these trials failed to demonstrate a significant inter-group difference between active groups and the control group relative to the decrease in salivary SARS-CoV-2 loads. Although promising, these results should be confirmed by larger trials.

Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva after rinsing with mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride: a randomized clinical study.

Background: Symptomatic patients with COVID-19 typically have a high SARS-CoV-2 viral load in their saliva. Procedures to reduce the viral load in their oral cavity are important for mitigating the viral transmission. Methods: This randomized clinical trial investigated the impact of two mouthwashes (0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride plus 0.28% zinc lactate (CPC+Zn) (n = 32), and 0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (n = 31)) on the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva when compared to the distilled water negative control (n = 32). Saliva was collected before (T0) and after (5 min, T1; 30 min, T2; and 60 min, T3) the intervention. Viral load in saliva was measured by qRT-PCR assays. The data in both groups was normalized for T0 and Negative Control, resulting in fold change values. Results: CPC+Zn oral solution reduced the viral load in saliva by 6.34-fold at T1, 3.6-fold at T2 and 1.9-fold at T3. Rinsing with the CPC mouthwash reduced the viral load in saliva by 2.5-fold at T1, 1.9-fold at T2 and 2.0-fold at T3. Conclusion: CPC+Zn mouthwash or with the CPC mouthwash reduced the viral load in saliva of COVID-19 patients immediately after rinsing. These reductions extended up to 60 min.

Dentistry consensus on HSCT - Part III: Special topics - Dentistry on HSCT.

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) might present acute and late toxicities and the oral tissues are frequently affected. With the survival increasing, patients show late and long-term morbidities, and there is an important association between the general and the oral health. The first and second parts of this Consensus have showed the importance of the adequacy of oral health in the pre-HSCT, and the main alterations and oral care during the period of admission for HSCT. This third part aims to review specific themes of post-HSCT dental care, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and the pediatric patient. It also aims to review pertinent subjects, both during the HSCT period and post-HSCT, concerning quality of life, pain, cost-effectiveness, and remote care. Based on this review, it is evident the importance of the work of the dental surgeon (DS) in the follow-up and treatment of the HSCT patient, always collaborating with the whole multidisciplinary team.

Brazilian dental consensus on dental management in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - Part I - pre-HSCT.

The oral involvement in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is well described in the literature. The goal of the dental treatment and management of the oral lesions related to the HSCT is to reduce the harm caused by preexisting oral infection or even the worsening of oral acute/chronic GVHD and late effects. The aim of this guideline was to discuss the dental management of patients subjected to HSCT, considering three phases of the HSCT: pre-HSCT, acute phase, and late phase. The literature published from 2010 to 2020 was reviewed in order to identify dental interventions in this patient population. The selected papers were divided into three groups: pre-HSCT, acute and late, and were reviewed by the SBTMO Dental Committee's members. When necessary, an expertise opinion was considered for better translating the guideline recommendations to our population dental characteristics. This manuscript focused on the pre-HSCT dental management. The objective of the pre-HSCT dental management is to identify possible dental situations that can worsening during the acute phase after the HSCT. Each guideline recommendations were made considering the Dentistry Specialties. The clinical consensus on dental management prior to HSCT provides professional health caregivers with clinical setting-specific information to help with the management of dental problems in patients to be subjected to HSCT.

Dental consensus on HSCT - Part II: dental Care during HSCT.

During the state of immune vulnerability in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the patient has an increased risk of developing a vast number of complications, including severe problems in the oral cavity. These situations require professional oral care to act in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, as well as to develop prevention protocols to minimize patient's complications. Oral mucositis, opportunistic infections, bleeding, specific microbiota, taste, and salivary alterations are complications that can occur during HSCT and interfere with various aspects, such as pain control, oral intake, nutrition, bacteremia and sepsis, days of hospitalization and morbidity. Several guidelines have been published to address the role of professional oral care during the HSCT, we describe a consensus regarding these recommendations.

Effectiveness of Toothpastes on SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load in Saliva.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of toothpastes on viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, is unknown. This study investigated the short-term effect of toothpastes containing antimicrobial properties in patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to determine whether they could reduce the SARS-CoV-2 salivary viral load. METHODS: Hospitalised patients with COVID-19 (n = 83) were instructed to perform toothbrushing with 1 of 3 arms: a toothpaste containing 0.96% zinc (zinc oxide, zinc citrate) in a silica base (Test 1), a toothpaste containing 0.454% SnF2 in a silica base (Test 2), and a nonantibacterial toothpaste (control). Saliva was collected before intervention (T0), immediately after intervention (T1), and 30 (T2) and 60 minutes (T3) after intervention. The SARS-CoV-2 salivary viral load was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. For Test 1 and Test 2 toothpastes, the fold reductions were normalised to baseline and to the control toothpaste at each time point after brushing. A fold change of ≥2 is considered clinically effective. RESULTS: Brushing with the Test 1 toothpaste reduced the SARS-CoV-2 salivary viral load by 4.06-fold at T1, by 2.36-fold at T2, and by 1.42-fold at T3. Similarly, brushing with a Test 2 toothpaste reduced the SARS-CoV-2 salivary viral load by 2.33-fold at T1, by 2.38-fold at T2, and by 0.77-fold at T3. CONCLUSIONS: Immediately after brushing, the use of antimicrobial toothpastes reduced the salivary viral load of patients with COVID-19. The trial was registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT04537962).