Tuesday, January 3, 2023

How COVID 19 Can Impact Oral Health

 A Covid 19 infection can lead to a number of oral problems, according to studies.  If your have had Covid, read on to discover how it might affect your oral health.

Dry mouth, or Xerostomia, is becoming more widespread since the onset of Covid-19.  Aside from losing your taste and smell, your saliva glands can be affected leaving you with dry mouth.  Dry mouth can lead to increased bacteria which can cause dental cavities and halitosis (bad breath).  Additionally, wearing a mask can cause dry mouth, and we all know that due to COVID, there are many more people wearing masks these days.  Masks cause you to mouth breathe, mouth breathing causes dry mouth.  There you have it. 

Covid 19 can cause damage to the blood vessels in the body, including those that supply blood to the mouth. This can lead to mouth sores and ulcerations, and gingival breakdown, which in turn can lead to infections.  

In addition to all of that, Covid causes stress in our lives.  Stress can have a direct effect on our oral health, as with any other part of our body.  

Now that things are returning to somewhat "normal" be sure to make regular visits to your dentist.

Take care of your oral health, and Keep Smiling!


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