The Oral Complications of COVID-19

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus infectious disease associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome. More and more patients are being cured due to the development of clinical guidelines for COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis, treatment, and vaccines. However, the long-term impact of COVID-19 on patients after recovery is unclear. Currently available reports have shown that patients recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience health problems in respiratory and other organ systems. Oral problem is one of the important complications which has serious impacts on the rehabilitation and future quality of life, such as ageusia and macroglossia, but the oral complication is often being neglected.Aim of Review: From the perspective of stomatology, we summarized and elaborated in detail the types, pathogenesis of oral complications from COVID-19 patients after rehabilitation, and the reported prevention or treatment recommendations which may improve the COVID-19 patients associated oral diseases.Key Scientific Concepts of Review: 1) To understand the common oral complications and the mechanisms of the development of oral complications after the COVID-19 recovery; 2) To summary the practical strategies to prevent the oral complications and construct the rehabilitation plans for patients with oral complications.

Oral manifestations of COVID-19: A review

“…those with the acute cold can have taste disorders, but those with the disease have a difficulty telling the difference between bitter and sweet flavors while those with the acute cold have a similar ability to tell the difference between sour and salty flavors. We can distinguish COVID-19 patients from people with the acute cold using taste strips as well [3].…”

“…Infection or keratinized tongue plaques are two problems that some patients with macroglossia may have. Congenital lingual vein malformation or lymphatic vascular malformation, which are more prevalent in young children, are the most common causes of macroglossia in non-COVID-19 patients, whereas macroglossia caused by COVID-19 is more prevalent in adults, the majority of patients have been on ventilators [3].…”

“…For COVID-19 patients, the oral signs, and symptoms, such as taste disturbances, ecchymosis, candidiasis, traumatic ulcers, HSV-1 infection, geographic tongue, thrush, etc., should receive more attention during the course of treatment. For COVID-19 patients, a multidisciplinary approach to oral healthcare and clinical oral examinations will be advantageous for the course of treatment and recovery [3].…”