As the world grapples with the pandemic spread of COVID-19, people around the globe are increasingly anxious about their health and well-being. Oral health is one area of concern, as there is a lack of information about how the virus affects teeth and gums. Here are the potential effects of COVID-19 on oral health.
Causes Inflammation and Bleeding of Gums
Gingivitis is a common condition caused by several factors, including plaque buildup, hormonal changes, and certain medications. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Some research suggests that COVID-19 may cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums. In one case report, a man with COVID-19 developed severe gum bleeding ten days after first experiencing symptoms of the virus.
The man had no prior history of gum disease. It is unclear how COVID-19 causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums, the virus may attack cells in the gums, leading to inflammation. Treatment for gingivitis includes good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. A dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a deep cleaning in more severe cases.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when saliva production decreases. This can happen for several reasons, including certain medications, medical conditions, and radiation therapy. A dry mouth can lead to swallowing, eating, and speaking problems. It can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. COVID-19 causes dry mouth by affecting the salivary glands.
In one case report, a man with COVID-19 developed dry mouth ten days after first experiencing symptoms of the virus. The man had no prior history of dry mouth. It is unclear how COVID-19 causes dry mouth, but the virus attacks cells in the salivary glands, leading to inflammation. Treatment for dry mouth includes good oral hygiene habits and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. As a result, dentists may prescribe artificial saliva or recommend surgery to remove problematic salivary glands in more severe cases.
Sores in the Mouth or Throat
COVID-19 causes sores in the mouth or throat, known as ulcers. In one case report, a man with COVID-19 developed ulcers ten days after first experiencing symptoms of the virus. The man had no prior history of ulcer problems. It is unclear how COVID-19 causes ulcers, but the virus attacks cells in the mouth or throat, leading to inflammation.
Treatment for ulcers includes good oral hygiene habits and topical medication to reduce pain and inflammation. On the other hand, dentists may prescribe antibiotics or recommend surgery to remove problematic tissue in more severe cases.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can result from many things, including certain foods, tobacco use, and medical conditions. COVID-19 causes bad breath by affecting the salivary glands. In one case report, a man with COVID-19 developed bad breath ten days after first experiencing symptoms of the virus. The man had no prior history of bad breath.
It is unclear how COVID-19 causes bad breath, but the virus attacks cells in the salivary glands, leading to inflammation. Treatment for bad breath typically includes good oral hygiene habits and using a mouthwash or toothpaste specifically designed for bad breath. In addition, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend surgery to remove problematic tissue in more severe cases.
Toothache
Toothache is pain that occurs in or around a tooth. It can result from many things, including cavities, gum disease, and infection. COVID-19 is thought to cause toothache by affecting the salivary glands. In one case report, a man with COVID-19 was also suffering from toothache ten days after first experiencing symptoms of the virus. The man had no prior history of toothache problems.
It is unclear how COVID-19 causes toothache, but the virus is thought to attack cells in the salivary glands, leading to inflammation. Treatment for a toothache typically includes good oral hygiene habits and over-the-counter pain medication. Consequently, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or recommend surgery to remove problematic tissue in more severe cases.
Swollen Glands
Swollen glands are a common symptom of COVID-19. In one study, swollen glands were found in nearly 70% of people with COVID-19. It is unclear how COVID-19 causes swollen glands, but the virus is thought to attack cells in the lymph nodes, leading to inflammation. Treatment for swollen glands typically includes over-the-counter pain medication and rest.
As a result, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend surgery to remove problematic lymph nodes in more severe cases.
Loss of Taste or Smell
Loss of taste or smell is a common symptom of COVID-19. In one study, loss of taste or smell was found in nearly 50% of people with COVID-19. It is unclear how COVID-19 causes loss of taste or smell, but the virus is thought to attack cells in the nose, leading to inflammation. However, treatment for loss of taste or smell typically includes over-the-counter medication and rest. Above all, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend surgery to remove problematic tissue in more severe cases.
Earache
Earache is pain that occurs in or around the ear. It can be caused by many things, including infection, inflammation, and wax buildup. COVID-19 is thought to cause earache by affecting the Eustachian tube. In one case report, a woman with COVID-19 also had signs of earache ten days after infection. The woman had no prior history of earache problems.
It is unclear how COVID-19 causes earache, but the virus is thought to attack cells in the Eustachian tube, leading to inflammation. In addition, treatment for earache includes over-the-counter pain medication and ear drops. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or recommend surgery to remove problematic tissue in more severe cases.
Conclusion
To sum up, COVID-19 is a novel virus that causes many symptoms, including some that affect the mouth and teeth. These symptoms include bad breath, toothache, swollen glands, loss of taste or smell, and earache. While most people with COVID-19 recover without problems, some may develop more severe symptoms requiring medical treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor or dentist for an evaluation.