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.
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.
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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.
Who doesn’t want a set of beautiful and healthy teeth? The fact is that looking after your teeth is not expensive nor very difficult. To ensure that you keep smiling, here are a few simple tips to follow regularly-
As for other body checkups, dental checkups annually is equally important as it may identify dental diseases at a very early stage and may prevent tooth decay and other severe problems which might cost a lot of time, energy and money.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Germs and bacteria accumulate in your mouth throughout the day and the food accumulates between your teeth. That is why you have to brush after meals, preferably after dinner before you go to bed. Unless you do this, there is a good chance of plaque developing around your teeth. Therefore brushing twice daily i.e.
Clean your tongue every day after brushing. You can use a brush or a tongue cleaner. This is an important step of oral hygiene maintenance.
How you brush is important; if you don’t do it right, it’s as harmful as not brushing. Brush in gentle circular motions at a 45-degree angle. Your brushing shouldn’t last longer than 4 minutes or damage your enamel. Remember to use a soft-bristled brush. Change the toothbrush when you see frayed bristles.
Not a lot of people in India floss their teeth. Floss is a very thin cord that you can use to remove food particles or plaque stuck in between two teeth. Unless you floss, food deposits between teeth can lead to cavities.
Make sure you choose toothpaste that does not contain excessive abrasives. Fluoride is an excellent ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste. It is important to note that not everyone needs fluoridated toothpaste. Talk to your dentist for the right advice.
Another important thing is using mouth wash in moderation because Certain mouthwashes contain heavy dyes that can actually stain your teeth.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Rinse your mouth well after every meal and even snacks. This will help flush away any food particles that may have stuck in your teeth. Not everyone needs to use mouthwash every day. One can use it when advised by a dentist.
Drinking water frequently means you will wash down the bacteria that can harm your teeth. Drink water after your meals to negate the effect of acids. Or you can rinse your mouth with water too.
Make an appointment with your dentist twice a year. Consider this as a kind of preventive check-up. Your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth for any signs of plaque, tartar, cavities or gum disease. If there are any, you can take action right away.
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This is one of the most important dental care tips. All sweet-tasting foods contain sugars, which are converted to acids in your mouth. And acids are your teeth’s worst enemy.
Also, try to limit your intake of sweet and sticky food. If at all you love to have it, do not forget to brush your teeth after such meals.
Fruits and veggies that you have to chew a lot such as apples, pears, beets or broccoli trigger a surge in saliva production. And saliva is good for your teeth.
Teeth are as valuable as any other bone or organ in your body. They help you eat well and gain the required nutrition for the healthy functioning of your body.
Also Read: Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth? Unraveling the Mystery with Science
Apart from sugary sweets and foods, here are a few things to avoid if you’re serious about how to take care of teeth problems:
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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.
