We are all sick and tired of COVID … literally and figuratively. We have heard newscasts daily for nearly two full years talking about the breathing difficulties, chest pain, and fever associated with this pandemic. But let’s discuss what COVID-19 can do to our oral health.
There’s been a lot of talk about the loss of taste and smell associated with this disease, but there are other dental symptoms you need to be aware of.
DRY MOUTH: Much like losing your taste and/or smell, this may be the first or only symptom you notice at the onset of COVID.
BAD BREATH: COVID can change the surface of the tongue and the chemicals in your mouth resulting in halitosis (bad breath). Additionally, wearing a mask for extended periods of time can also contribute to bad breath. And, if this isn’t enough, the medicines people are using to treat COVID-19 at home can cause bad breath as well.
HYPER SALIVATION: Conversely, you may find you have an excess of saliva if you have the COVID virus in your system. This usually then leads to inflammation in the corners of your mouth caused by the irritating to the corners of your mouth from the enzymes in the overabundance of saliva.
MOUTH RASHES: Some COVID patients are experiencing mouth rashes and oral ulcers. This is to be expected since certain rashes are found to be commonly associated with viral infections.
We have known for a long time that periodontal disease contributes to the severity of a number of ailments of the brain, heart, and lungs. Still being researched is the theory that gum disease inflammation could contribute to the severity of COVID symptoms. It is speculated that due to periodontal disease, the inflammation releases a chemical that can damage tissue in the blood and lungs. This damage lessens the amount of oxygen in the system and allows faster progression of the disease.
Since no two people seem to experience COVID in the same way, and the exact symptoms vary, as well, it is hard to diagnose oral complications occurring due to this disease. It is highly assumed oral health issues caused by COVID are underreported and/or unrecognized. As some patients show no symptoms even when tested positive for this virus, further research by dentists uses the information they obtain through a dental exam to help detect the presence of COVID in asymptomatic patients.
If you have questions regarding information in this blog, please contact Dr. Schafer for a teleconsultation.
If you suspect that you have COVID – DO NOT make an appointment to come to our office. Give us a call and the doctor will discuss the safest way to answer your questions and get you the treatment/relief you need.