Decreased Frequency of Mental Workload-Induced Subjective Hot Flashes Through Gum Massage: An Open-Label, Self-Controlled Crossover Trial.

Objective: Hot flashes, a symptom of menopause, can decrease women's quality of life. Sympathetic nervous system activation has been identified as an important factor in the occurrence of hot flashes. Given that somatosensory stimulation of the oral cavity can affect autonomic nervous activity, we aimed to investigate the possibility that somatosensory stimulation of the gums (, gum massage) could improve hot flashes.

The inhibitory effects of toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients on the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2, and the protease activity of TMPRSS2 in vitro.

SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells when the viral spike protein is cleaved by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) after binding to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Since ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in the tongue and gingival mucosa, the oral cavity is a potential entry point for SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of general ingredients of toothpastes and mouthwashes on the spike protein-ACE2 interaction and the TMPRSS2 protease activity using an in vitro assay.