5 Ways COVID-19 Can Affect Your Mouth, Teeth, and Gums

Your oral health has a strong connection to your general physical health. Recently, experts have been researching the effects of COVID-19 on the health of the mouth. According to studies, there is a connection between the two. Approximately two in every 10 patients with COVID-19 experience some form of oral health issue. This can be in the form of loss of taste or dry mouth.

Here are five ways that COVID-19 can affect your oral health.

• Dry Mouth and COVID-19

Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when you do not have enough saliva to moisten your mouth. It makes it difficult to swallow food, wash away food particles, and break down food.

It may be an early sign of COVID-19. A study in The Lancet noted it was the most common oral symptom reported by patients with the condition. However, experts have no conclusive reasons for this occurrence. They suggest the xerostomia may be due to the infection and damaging of the salivary glands by the SARS-Cov-2 virus. It could also be a side effect of the COVID-19 treatment or improper oral hygiene.

• Cracked Teeth and COVID-19

There has been a 53 percent increase in cracked and chipped teeth since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the American Dental Association, teeth grinding has also increased by 59 percent. Experts attribute this rise to heightened anxiety levels during the pandemic. They also suggest it is because of poor posture in work-from-home environments.

They suggest poor posture and anxiety can cause people to grind their teeth and clench their jaws. These are involuntary actions caused by increased stress.

• Oral Ulcers and COVID-19

Like other viral infections, COVID-19 will impair your immune system, making you susceptible to other ailments. Some patients recovering from the condition have oral ulcers. In some, the ulcers appear thrush-like, while in others, they are vague. According to experts, ulcers may appear as white patches on the mouth, gums, or tongue roof. The symptoms are:

• Discomfort while drinking or eating
• Dull pain
• A burning sensation
• Red or white bumps in your mouth

If they do not resolve independently in two weeks, you should consult your doctor. It could be a sign of another secondary infection.

• Taste and COVID-19

After getting COVID-19, many patients report impacts on their sense of smell and taste. Fortunately, nearly half of the patients experience a complete resolution or diminished signs after a month.

However, the American Medical Association reported the persistence or worsening of the signs in about 12 percent of the patients after one month. They suggest it is because of the damage to the sustentacular cells that cover the taste buds.

• Access to Oral Healthcare and COVID-19

Oral health is an integral part of your overall health. For this reason, access to oral healthcare is essential. However, the coronavirus pandemic limited access to dental practices except in the case of emergencies. This affects your dental health and your overall health.

For more on the effects of COVID-19 on oral health or to book a visit call Smile Center at (740) 417-9565 to reach our office in Delaware, Ohio.