Throughout the last few years, over 400 million people have been infected with Covid-19. Although we are officially no longer in the pandemic, according to chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, Covid-10 remains a global threat. As time goes on, it’s essential to be mindful of the disease and its symptoms, and for people recovering from the effects of the virus, some studies have shown that there have been additional side effects reported from people previously infected with Covid-19. As dentists, we’re here to help explain some of the potential oral symptoms people have experienced and provide you with relevant information that you can use to keep yourself healthy.
Oral Symptoms To Watch Out For During Recovery
The CDC states that one of the most common symptoms associated with Covid-19, alongside respiratory issues, is the loss of taste and smell. Most people are aware that the loss of taste and smell are crucial tell-tale signs of infection. While it isn’t entirely clear why some people develop more oral troubles after infection, it’s important to know that even mild degrees of infection can cause some oral problems to occur. With this in mind, we’re here to go over these oral health symptoms and help you recover from Covid-19:
- Lesions and Ulcers: Lesions and ulcers are less commonly known symptoms of Covid-19. According to a Journal of Dental Research study, over 80% of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 had lesions or ulcers. Because our respiratory system begins at our nose and mouth, it’s a common target for viruses to cause infection. If lesions and ulcers do not go away within a few weeks, then schedule an appointment soon as possible to diagnose the condition.
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth affects approximately 65% of the population and can worsen during or after an infection. Covid-19 can cause the salivary glands to underproduce saliva. Why is saliva important? Healthy saliva production maintains our mouth’s moisture and reduces tooth decay by removing harmful bacteria build-up. Without enough saliva, the mouth becomes exceedingly dry, causes bad breath, and then eventually leads to gum disease. Drink enough water and seek out your local dentist after recovery your recovery.
- Inflammation: Inflammation is the main symptom, considered to be the most life-threatening aspect of the virus’s genetic makeup. Inflammation is the body’s response to infections, but the virus causes extreme levels of inflammation throughout the body that makes it harmful to our health. Inflammation areas can also include the mouth, causing the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed heavily. If signs of gum inflammation continue after recovery, then make sure to speak with your dentist.
Finding Help For Covid-19 Recovery With Your Dentist!
Even though the pandemic is considered officially over, some people continue to experience the long-term side effects of Covid-19. These effects can include dental problems that, if left long enough, can ultimately lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. If you have any oral health side effects after recovering, then don’t hesitate to contact your local dentist to schedule an appointment.