[Remarks on new coronavirus (COVID-19) and ORALPEACE / oral care]
This is a reprint from the ORALPEACE project supporter Dr. Tanaka regarding the relationship between oral care and viral infection prevention. We hope that our long-standing research team on lactic acid bacteria antimicrobial peptides and clinical research will be of little help to the health of many people in times of emergency.
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Usually, the dentist, otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon will often consult the oral cavity. I will give my opinion as one of the otolaryngologists of the ORALPEACE support member.
I think that what is recently attracting attention in the field of infectious diseases is “why can brushing and oral care prevent or reduce viral infection?”
Viruses, including influenza viruses, have a structure in which a gene called nucleic acid is encapsulated in a protein called capsid (Note: New Coronavirus (COVID-19) is also wrapped in another protein called envelope).
Bacteria in the intestinal tract, including the oral cavity, also have a protein-degrading enzyme called protease.
In an unsanitary oral environment, many bacteria are present in the oral cavity, and many proteinases come into contact with viral capsids and envelopes.
As a result, capsids and envelopes of some viruses, including the influenza virus, are degraded by proteolytic enzymes, causing them to pop, which makes it easier for the virus to enter the mucosal cells, mainly the oral mucosa.
This is the reason why it is difficult to establish influenza virus infection when the bacterial flora in the oral cavity is kept normal and the amount of bacteria is reduced.
It may be more likely to enter the digestive tract mucosa, but as an otolaryngologist, I do not have enough knowledge on this point.
However, many intestinal bacteria have proteinases, and keeping the intestinal bacteria normal seems to be recommended from the viewpoint of preventing viral infection.
The conclusion comes to the end and is tedious and apologetic, but ORALPEACE is mainly based on the lactobacillus antibacterial bacteriocin preparation derived from “Okara” which is an edible food called “Neonisin-e”, and its safety and antibacterial action. Is also revealed in data from the Faculty of Dentistry at Kagoshima University.
The reason why it is okay to swallow is that it is made from only the lactic acid bacterium bacteriocin preparation derived from the food “Okara” and water and plant (food) ingredients.
And even considering the above mechanism, the risk of viral infection (although new coronavirus (COVID-19) is unknown as described below) is reduced if oral bacteria are reduced by ORALPEACE and tooth brushing / oral care. May help.
Like this time, I think the chance of getting an unknown virus on a large-scale cruise ship such as the Diamond Princess carrying 3,700 people is the first time, at least in the modern world where there is a record.
It has not been medically verified that the new coronavirus (COVID-19) suppresses infection through the oral mucosa.
However, at least it is a risk that even if you consider it because it is a product that can be swallowed without exhaling even on a cruise ship that may lack drinking water, and that there is already some medical evidence for suppressing oral bacteria (evidence). From the viewpoint of benefit ratio, I think that prevention of infection by ORALPEACE and oral hygiene is significant.
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* The new coronavirus (COVID-19) is unknown, and it is thought that there are differences from the existing viruses. However, we would be grateful if people with illnesses, the elderly, infants and young children who seem to be at high risk can take possible preventive measures and save their lives. This comment is published not as a medical practice but as a view that contributes to the health of the people in an emergency.
