Does COVID-19 Impact Your Teeth – Can It Affect Your Gums

Most cases of COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses. There have, however, been numerous reports of symptoms affecting the mouth and other bodily systems in addition to the respiratory system.

However, if you clench your jaw out of stress over COVID-19, you might experience jaw or tooth pain that is related to that.

The potential link between dental symptoms and COVID-19 is discussed further in the following paragraphs.

Effects That COVID-19 May Impact Your Teeth

Discoloring

Many people claim that after receiving Covid, their front teeth are frequently discolored, and it has been noted that the enamel can thin out or completely deteriorate. Additionally, people have experienced cases of black sludge in their mouths, which is a result of COVID-19’s bacteria producing an acidic reaction.

Some people have experienced tooth decay that resulted in very dark, green, or grayish teeth. Although this is a relatively uncommon COVID-19 side effect, it can be very noticeable and lead to confidence issues.

Dental Pain

Following a COVID-19 infection, some people have experienced toothaches, dental pain, and even bad breath. These symptoms may indicate that a mouth infection has arisen or is about to arise. One of the initial symptoms is severe teeth pain. To avoid this, make sure you maintain regular brushing and flossing habits and receive regular dental examinations.

Following a COVID-19 infection, if you experience tooth pain, don’t ignore it. Even if the pain isn’t constant or severe, it can cause infections that show that your teeth are moving and starting to fit in your mouth uncomfortable.

Cavities

Interesting studies have revealed that the Covid-19 virus can enter the body through cavities. Additionally, after becoming infected with Covid-19, a person’s teeth become weaker and more prone to decay and cavities. One of the more frequent side effects associated with COVID-19 infection is dental health problems. Even if someone does not have symptoms of Covid-19, oral bacteria can still harm teeth.

Make sure you maintain routine brushing and flossing as well as regular dental checkups to guard your teeth from further harm.

Read More: Can Cavities Cause Headaches

Tooth and Gum Sensitivity

Some patients’ tooth and gum sensitivity has been exacerbated by covid teeth. It’s good news that tooth sensitivity is frequently transient. Although this may last for a few months, your front teeth shouldn’t be permanently sensitive to very hot or cold foods and beverages. Use a straw when you’re drinking and gum without sugar on a regular basis to lessen sensitivity. Consult your dentist if the discomfort becomes intolerable.

Tooth Loss

Following COVID-19 infection, other people have described losing their teeth. Although it doesn’t happen often, some Covid patients have mentioned that their teeth have occasionally just fallen out of their sockets. Although it’s unlikely that Covid is to blame, any oral health problems already present might get worse as a result. That could be a possibility given that data from the CDC indicates that nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 have periodontal disease.

Even though it’s unclear exactly how and why Covid-19 affects people’s oral health, Covid teeth can cause anything from tooth pain to tooth loss.

Can COVID-19 Cause Cracked Teeth?

According to the American Dental Association, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, dentists have observed a 59% increase in bruxism, or teeth grinding, and a 53% increase in chipped and cracked teeth.

They propose that this might happen as a result of increased anxiety levels during the pandemic and bad posture brought on by working from home.

The dentists explain that jaw clenching and tooth grinding can be brought on by stress, bad posture, and other factors. These uncontrollable actions are the result of increased stress. As a result, the teeth are put under more pressure, which weakens them and increases their risk of cracking.

Read More: Is Jaw Pain a Sign of COVID Infection

Treatment for COVID Teeth Pain

Take 400 milligrams of ibuprofen to treat any tooth pain you experience during COVID-19 or following recovery. Additionally, applying cold compresses to the outside of the cheeks with washcloths soaked in cool water may be beneficial.

When a person has COVID-19, they may experience oral infections like oral thrush. An antifungal medication can be prescribed by a doctor if this is the case.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that dental pain and COVID-19 could occur at an unfortunate time. During COVID-19, a tooth infection or cavity could flare up. As a result, if taking over-the-counter painkillers doesn’t work, you might need to contact your dentist.

Takeaway

Links between COVID-19, dental health, and its side effects are still being researched by researchers.

It’s possible that emerging strains will have an impact on dental health. To maintain your oral health, discuss any dental-related issues you may have with your dentist.

Although there isn’t enough hard data to conclusively link COVID-19 to oral health just yet, maintaining good personal and oral hygiene is still a good way to prevent disease.

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