COVID-19 variations in your mouth

BY NOW many people know that a loss or altered sense of taste, dry mouth and sores are common symptoms of COVID-19 infection. There are variations to these symptoms that may last longer long after other symptoms are gone in some patients, according to a new research at the University of Brasilia that reviewed more than 180 published studies.

About four in 10 COVID patients more common among COVID patients experience impaired taste or total in Europe, affecting about half of them. loss of taste, according to the research Only a third of COVID patients in the review. Dry mouth affects nearly half or United States and a quarter in South 43 percent of COVID patients. America have these symptoms. The

The research review looked at the reasons are still unclear. oral health symptoms in nearly 65,000 Some COVID patients have lesions COVID patients worldwide, according on or under their tongue or along the to a report from HealthDay. gums and sides of the mouth.

The research review, published These complications are not unique in the Journal of Dental Research, to COVID-19, says Dr. Edmond Hewlett, found that COVID patients may have a spokesman for the American Dental a reduced sense of taste, a condition Association who reviewed the findings. known as hypogueusia. Dr. Hewlett, the source of the

They may have a distorted sense of HealthDay report, is a Professor and taste, in which everything tastes sweet, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity sour, bitter or metallic, a condition and Inclusion, School of Dentistry, called dysgeusia. Or they may have a University of California, Los Angeles. total loss of all taste (also known as While it’s not clear how long oral ageusia). symptoms may persist, it appears they

These complications seemed to be may be symptoms of “long COVID”, Dr.

Hewlett says. Long COVID refers to the conditions of patients who experience COVID-related health issues long after recovering from many of the initial symptoms.

“Regarding COVID- 19 patients specifically, the important message is to maintain healthy oral health habits during their illness if they are able to do so,” says Dr. Hewlett.

“Dry mouth significantly increases the risk for tooth decay, so brushing twice a day with a f l uoridated toothpaste, flossing once a day, limiting snacking, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks are the best ways to maintain their oral health.”