Can COVID-19 Impact Your Oral Health?

COVID-19 has kept everybody on their toes for the last few months, and each day, researchers and scientists are learning new ways that the virus impacts your body. It can cause a variety of symptoms that range in severity, including everything from coughing to acute respiratory syndrome, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. But, did you know that some of these symptoms can impact your oral health? Read on to learn how COVID-19 could cause your oral health to decline if you don’t treat your symptoms carefully.  

What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 can cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. According to the World Health Organization, the most common ones are dry cough, fever, and fatigue. Some patients also experience diarrhea, sore throat, congestion, and body aches. While most people are able to successfully recover, about one out of every five people who gets COVID-19 becomes very ill and develops breathing problems.

How Can COVID-19 Increase Your Risk of Oral Health Problems?

Harmful oral bacteria that are known to cause oral health issues thrive off of consuming sugars and carbohydrates found in your mouth. This is connected to COVID-19 because many of the medications that you would take to provide you with relief from the symptoms contain a variety of ingredients that are concerning. Here are some of the ingredients commonly found in cough syrups, lozenges, and throat sprays that could harm your teeth:

• Sugars often help cover the naturally bitter taste of syrups and lozenges. The problem with this additive is that, when your mouth is regularly exposed to it, it can create the perfect environment for harmful oral bacteria to thrive in. After consuming these sugars, they’ll produce acid and toxins that eat away your enamel and cause gum inflammation.
• Alcohol is a common ingredient in cold medicine. Although it contains only a small amount, if you frequently take it for multiple weeks, you may notice your mouth becoming dryer. Because your saliva neutralizes harmful acids in your mouth, this can result in an increase in dangerous acids and bacteria.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Mouth?

The solution to taking reducing your risk of oral health problems due to cold and flu medications is easy—substitute them for ones that don’t contain these ingredients! It’s not uncommon to find medications that can ease coughs and other symptoms that are completely sugar or alcohol-free. All you have to do is read the ingredients listed on the back of the package.

If you don’t have access to alternative medications, just be sure to frequently brush, floss, and drink plenty of water while you’re taking them. This will help you avoid bacteria and acid accumulation, reducing your risk of developing cavities while you’re trying to get better.

If you notice that you’re having difficulty breathing or feel as though your illness is life-threatening, be sure to contact your local medical professional or emergency room immediately. Even though it can be tempting to stay in the safety of your own home, it’s important to seek out medical care as soon as possible to keep your illness from getting worse.

About the Author

Dr. Huy Nguyen is passionate about providing his patients with high-quality and affordable dental care. For the last 25 years, he has been putting his patients first by making sure that their oral health stays on track and providing them with the tools and treatments they need. During the COVID-19 crisis, he will be providing only emergency care and will be resuming routine dental treatments once shelter-in-place orders are lifted and he feels it’s safe to continue daily operations. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Town Square Dental’s website or call 713-534-8800.