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Long COVID is associated with lingering respiratory symptoms, including trouble breathing, fatigue, chest pain and joint aches. But did you know that long COVID can also have lasting effects on your oral health?

What is Long COVID?

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, long COVID is a chronic disease that develops after SARS-CoV-2 infection and lasts at least three months. Long COVID encompasses a broad spectrum of symptoms or diseases, which may improve, worsen, or persist.

Most individuals with long COVID acquire symptoms days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. However, some people who get long COVID have no idea when they were infected. People may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 many times, and each time, they run the danger of acquiring long COVID.

The Link Between Long COVID And Oral Health Problems

Although the number of new instances of COVID-19 has reduced since the start of the pandemic, long COVID remains a public health problem worldwide. Dentists have noticed increased reports of tooth loss, greying gums, and tooth breakage in people with long COVID-19. Research suggests oral decline is related to ACE-2 receptors in the mouth, which the SARS-CoV-2 virus targets.

The salivary glands, tonsils, and tongue contain more of the coronavirus’s unique RNA-linked proteins, including enzymes that allow it to breach the cell wall. This may explain why oral health issues in patients with long COVID are on the increase.

Taste And Smell Loss

COVID-19’s first symptoms were loss of taste and smell. Doctors discovered that patients who tested positive lost their senses quickly, even if their other symptoms were minor. Estimates imply that the average prevalence of taste loss among patients is roughly 38%. Initially, the loss of taste and smell in COVID-19 was considered to be caused by viral invasion of facial nerve cells.

However, subsequent research has questioned this concept due to the lack of ACE-2 receptors in these organs. According to current understanding, the virus attacks sensitive cells around the oral and nasal nerve systems, causing inflammation that impairs patients’ senses. Inflammation in the mouth can lead to issues like gum disease (periodontal disease), tooth loss, and other dental problems.

Cracked Teeth

Before the pandemic, the average dentist encountered one fractured tooth every other day. However, the number of patients with cracked teeth has considerably increased in the last four years, and two visits daily are becoming the norm.

COVID-19 has been associated with damage to blood vessels, including those supplying the mouth. This could potentially lead to reduced blood flow to the gums and teeth, affecting their health and potentially contributing to tissue breakdown and weakened teeth.

 

Dry Mouth

Before the pandemic, dentists noticed dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, most often in the elderly and smokers. Ageing and tobacco use harm the salivary glands, which keep the mouth cavity wet. However, since the epidemic, more people than usual have presented with xerostomia.

Saliva is important in the mouth because it removes bacteria and acts as a mild antiseptic. When it is lacking, the incidence of oral health problems rises. Data indicate that SARS-CoV-2 may enter salivary cells via the ACE-2 receptor, harm them, and cause them to produce less saliva than usual. Dry mouth produces foul breath and raises the risk of cavities and oral infections.

The link between xerostomia and long COVID is still being researched. Clinicians should conduct further studies to determine the contributing factors behind the association.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 epidemic was a challenge for everyone. However, even though the immediate threat is over long COVID is causing a new wave of oral health issues. Have you been having trouble with your oral health in the last year?

Have you experienced any pre-existing oral health concerns that have worsened?  Affinity Dental can help you with concerns about your teeth and gums. If you want to schedule a dental checkup, your Affinity Dental plan allows you to find a network dentist nearest to you.