(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
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 experience impaired taste or total loss of taste, according to the research review. Dry mouth affects nearly half or 43 percent of COVID patients.
The research review looked at the oral health symptoms in nearly 65,000 COVID patients worldwide, according to a report from HealthDay.
The research review, published in the Journal of Dental Research, found that COVID patients may have a reduced sense of taste, a condition known as hypogueusia.
They may have a distorted sense of taste, in which everything tastes sweet, sour, bitter or metallic, a condition called dysgeusia. Or they may have a total loss of all taste (also known as ageusia).
These complications seemed to be more common among COVID patients in Europe, affecting about half of them. Only a third of COVID patients in the United States and a quarter in South America have these symptoms. The reasons are still unclear.
Some COVID patients have lesions on or under their tongue or along the gums and sides of the mouth.
These complications are not unique to COVID-19, says Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a spokesman for the American Dental Association who reviewed the findings.
Dr. Hewlett, the source of the HealthDay report, is a Professor and Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles.
While it’s not clear how long oral symptoms may persist, it appears they 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 fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once a day, limiting snacking, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks are the best ways to maintain their oral health.”
He says oral health issues have arisen before during the pandemic as many patients have put off routine checkups. It is best that those who have been spared of COVID-related issues maintain good oral health as a key to overall health.
“Going to the dentist has been demonstrated to be very safe from the perspective of COVID-19 infection risk,” Dr. Hewlett says.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
