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Due to the presence of Covid-19, many researchers have worked endlessly to study its effects on all aspects of people’s health. In the dental industry, many practices all over have been working tirelessly to combat this disease. Health organizations such as the CDC and WHO provide official information on the virus, how it spreads, and its symptoms, and as people work to help reduce its spread, many researchers are looking into the oral effects of Covid-19 and have found that due to the nature of Covid-19, some people may experience negative side effects related to their oral health. Through this article, we’re going to explore some of the latest findings of Covid-19 and its oral health connections.
What Studies Say About Oral Health and Covid-19:
Several studies have suggested a potential association between Covid-19 and periodontal disease, an inflammatory disease composed of multiple strains of bacteria that infect the periodontal tissues. Periodontal disease is commonly associated with numerous chronic systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and diabetes. When observing the connections between Covid-19 and periodontal disease, these same systemic diseases have also been associated with Covid-19 infections. According to some studies, the chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease can also indicate a higher risk of Covid-19 infections and also increase complications with Covid-19 infections.
Alongside periodontal disease, other studies have found that Covid-19 infections may also lead to oral lesions along the inside of the mouth. These studies cite that the virus contributed to the pain, oral ulcers, and blisters. Because of the inflammatory aspects of the virus, the intraoral lesions that developed could be caused by the pathological processes associated with the viral infection. However, due to the possibilities of misdiagnosis and a lack of intraoral examinations performed from the severity of the virus, these studies remain inconclusive. Thus, some studies recommend that for patients with a covid-19 infection, full mouth examinations should be reported to help better understand the virus’s pathology.
Preventing Oral Complications From Covid-19:
Because of the nature of the virus and its pathology, many dentists have been working hard to help prevent its spread and stay up to date on the latest finding regarding Covid-19. However, these findings still remain inconclusive due to their rudimentary positions and lack of repeatable scenarios related to how Covid-19 infects and spreads among those with various chronic conditions. Ultimately, patients with oral health issues should consider the following:
- Wear Masks: Follow your dental practice’s protocols for safety during your visit with your dentist, including wearing masks and assessing symptoms of high fevers and coughs.
- Assess Your Symptoms: Before visiting the dentist, if you notice any symptoms that may be associated with Covid-19, make sure to isolate and stay indoors for at least 14 days before your next appointment.
- Speak With Your Dentist: Any dental issues you may have, including periodontal disease and lesions, should be discussed with and treated to help prevent serious, life-threatening conditions such as lung infections and heart problems.
If you are looking for the latest information about this disease, where to receive vaccinations, and how to receive tests for Covid-19, we recommend following the CDC’s guidelines for the latest information.
