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Aerosol formation in dental practice is almost inevitable and the potential risk of acquiring an infection due to airborne pathogens is very high. Dental procedures involving use of ultrasonics, air polishing, use of airotors and micromotors, air-water syringes and lasers emit large amount of aerosol and microbial pathogens from saliva, dental unit waterlines and respiratory tract. Depending on the nature of the bacteria/virus/fungi in the aerosol and its pathogenic nature, the microbe travels through the lung alveoli and affects the upper/lower respiratory system. The recent episode of COVID has driven further fear among dental professionals, as the virus sheds into air and transmits the disease. As dental professionals, it is essential that we take steps to prevent transmission by following universal precautions and social precautionary measures. This review revisits on the physics of aerosol formation, spatial microbiome in aerosol, the types of pathogens associated with dental procedures, risk of disease getting transmitted to dental healthcare workers and infection control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19, an epidemic viral disease which originated in Wuhan, China, has caused a major halt in the normal routine of people worldwide. It was declared as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation. The novel corona virus has caused major challenges to the health professionals owing to its different speed of reaction and types of response around the world. Due to the characteristics of dental setting and treatment modalities, the dental professionals and the patients are at major risk of cross infection. Periodontists can be at high risk while performing aerosol generating procedures to asymptomatic patients, as saliva has been identified in saliva of infected patients. This review article aims to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on periodontal practise and future changes to be done in the COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]