Introduction

Oral health is a major part of your health and well-being. COVID-19 is mostly a respiratory disease. People who have had COVID have reported many symptoms after recovering from it that are not just limited to respiratory problems. These symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, memory or sleep problems, concentration trouble, pounding heart and most surprisingly- dental problems.

COVID 19 and oral health

The virus that causes COVID that is SARS-CoV-2 moves into the body with the help of a receptor called angiotensin-converting enzyme – 2 or ACE2. This receptor acts like a front gate that lets the virus into your cells. And your mouth, tongue and gums contain lots of cells with ACE2 receptors.

People with existing dental problems tend to have a lot more ACE2 receptors. Hence increasing the chances of getting COVID 19.

Research has found that 75 percent of people with severe oral problems were admitted to the hospital with COVID 19. Research also found that may be because people with dental problems also had other chronic medical conditions.

However, fever, cough and fatigue are the top symptoms. Dental pain or mouth problems do not come under the top 12 symptoms. But this also does not mean people will not have a tooth or gum-related symptoms during or post COVID.

Researchers also suggest that ignorance of oral hygiene can multiply the chances of bacteria in the mouth. Many people were hospitalised and bedridden due to severe Covid symptoms. Taking care of oral health became difficult at these times for the patients (due to weakness) as well as for caretakers (due to the risk of transmission of infection) which explains how along with COVID 19, you might also be at an increased risk of other dental infections.

Also Read: Why Does Mouthwash Burn? Decoding Oral Health Mysteries

Dental problems- During and post covid infection :

1. Dry Mouth – Also known as xerostomia happens when there is a lack of saliva to keep the mouth moist. As a result, it becomes difficult to break food particles down, wash down food particles and swallow food. This was reported as an early symptom of COVID 19 and also as one of the post-Covid symptoms. A study in The Lancet says that dry mouth may be a direct effect of the SARS CoV-2 virus that infects and affects the salivary glands. Oral problems may also be a side effect of COVID treatment.

2. Gingivitis – Also known as inflammation of the gums, some of the symptoms include red, swollen gums, bleeding gums while brushing, bad breath & unpleasant taste in the mouth. The report suggests that since one is unable to take care of one’s oral hygiene due to weakness and fatigue caused by Covid.

3. Oral Ulcers – COVID 19 highly affects the immune system of the body and makes a person prone to other diseases. Few people recovering from COVID 19 found oral ulcers such as a white patch on the gum and tongue, red bumps in the mouth, burning sensation and discomfort while eating and drinking. According to the National Health Service (NHS), oral ulcers go away on their own, however, if symptoms persist for more than 1 week, one should visit a dentist.

4. Staining of Teeth and Bad Breath – This is not directly caused due to COVID 19 but can be a result of poor oral hygiene maintenance.

 5. Jaw or Tooth Pain – can be experienced as a result of tooth grinding due to stress over COVID 19 but is not a direct symptom of COVID 19.

6. Cavities and Tooth Decay- Patients who experienced severe illness due to Covid and were bedridden for weeks and months could not take care of their oral hygiene well during that time. This has led to an increased complaint of dental cavities and tooth decay after months of recovering from a severe Covid. 

7. Fungal Infections of Mouth– Oral thrush and black fungus are opportunistic infections that may occur in a person with compromised immunity and poor oral hygiene. Although oral thrush or candidiasis can be managed well, the black fungus can be life-threatening and has taken away many lives during the second wave of Covid. It is not very common now, but one must be aware of these problems and follow good oral hygiene practices to minimise the risk.

How to keep your teeth healthy in the wake of COVID outbreak?

Fatigue may cause you to not care for your dental hygiene and hence lead to a painful cavity. Here are some tips and tricks to take care of your dental health:

1. Brush after all your meals and floss once a day to take care of your teeth.
2. Keep your toothbrush clean from all germs. Use a toothbrush cap. Change your toothbrush every 3 months. Discard the toothbrush you have used while you have had COVID 19.
3. You can switch to an electric toothbrush as well.
4. You may use a mouthwash. 
5. Avoid starchy foods and drinks as they can weaken your teeth. Avoid smoking and drinking as much as possible.
6. Hydrate well.
7. Avoid energy drinks as the high acidity in them damages tooth enamel.

A person with severe Covid must visit a dentist for a routine check-up after recovery. Your doctor may advise cleaning of teeth and early detection and treatment of any cavities can save your teeth from further damage.

More research is yet to be done on what are the direct symptoms of dental problems due to COVID, however, as a general practice, it is very important to be mindful of your oral hygiene during and after recovering from Covid or any other illness.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.