What Are the Effects? How COVID-19 Can Affect Your Teeth

​​​​​​If you've recovered from COVID-19, or you're dealing with the symptoms of long-COVID, your dental health could be at risk. You might not realize it, but COVID-19 can do more than affect your physical health. The disease can also affect your dental health, which is why dental care is so important. Dental care can help you overcome the dental issues associated with COVID-19. Here are six ways that COVID-19 can adversely affect your teeth and gums.

Treatment Delays

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, many medical and dental offices needed to shut down. Those closures led to a delay in dental treatment. As a result, your semi-annual dental visits might have been postponed. You might even still be anxious about returning to dental and medical offices. Unfortunately, delays in dental treatment can increase the risk of cavities and decay. And, the delays can increase the severity of existing dental problems. If you've been delaying your semi-annual dental visits because of COVID-19, it's time to visit the dentist again.

Cracked Teeth

If you've sustained cracked teeth after recovering from COVID-19, talk to your dentist right away. Studies have shown that COVID-19 caused an increase in the occurrence of cracked and fractured teeth. One reason for the cracks and fractures could be associated with stress-related grinding and teeth clenching. Unfortunately, teeth grinding and clenching can increase the risk of tooth fractures, jaw pain, and tooth sensitivity. If this has become a problem after your bout with COVID-19, a dentist can help.

Mouth Sores

If you've recovered from COVID-19, you may notice a problem with mouth sores. COVID-19 can increase the occurrence of mouth sores, blisters, and tongue discoloration. Unfortunately, mouth sores and blisters can cause pain and discomfort. They can also make it difficult for you to maintain good oral hygiene. If you've noticed an increased occurrence of mouth sores and blisters, or your tongue is discolored now that you've recovered from COVID-19, visit your dentist right away. They can help you restore your oral health back to optimal condition.

Tooth Loss

If you're dealing with the effects of long-COVID, it's time to start watching your teeth. Studies have shown an increase in tooth loss as a result of COVID-19. One cause for the tooth loss could be due to inflammation in the gums. Another reason could be related to gum disease that went untreated during the pandemic. Either way, dental care is essential to preventing tooth loss associated with COVID-19.

Dry Mouth

If you've noticed that your mouth isn't as moist as it was before contracting COVID-19, you're not alone. Some people have noticed an increase in dry mouth symptoms since recovering from COVID-19. Dry mouth could be caused by the virus or by the treatment you received for the virus.

Dry mouth can actually increase the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath. That's because there isn't enough saliva to keep your mouth clean and healthy. One way to protect your teeth is to drink more water. Another way to protect your teeth is to talk to your dentist about a saliva substitute. These steps can help restore moisture to your mouth.

Dental Infections

COVID-19 can weaken the immune system. Unfortunately, a weakened immune system can put you at risk for dental infections. And, dental infections can lead to problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Dental infections can also affect your overall health. If you've been dealing with dental infections since recovering from COVID-19, talk to your dentist right away. Treatment for your dental infections can protect your teeth and gums. 

Don't take chances with your teeth. If COVID-19 had you delaying your dental treatment, contact us today. We're here to handle all your dental needs.