Impact of COVID-19 on Oral Health

Abstract

In December 2019 an outbreak of COVID19 occurred which is a severe acute respiratory disorder. Many succumbed to this global pandemic and many are still fighting the after effect of it. The virus directly affects the immune system especially of lungs. Therefore, the people who already have compromised immunity are at the very risk. The first symptoms to appear in COVID19 patients are ageusia and anosmia while treating the COVID19 patient’s certain practices are followed which aid in rapid oral health deterioration like oxygen mask, ventilators, heavy dose of medicines. Certain medicines used in treatment also precipitate poor oral health like bleeding gums, oral ulceration and dry mouth are the most common oral health problems faced after COVID19 recovery. COVID directly affects the immune system thereby making way for opportunistic infections like mucormycosis. Mucormycosis offers a severe burden on oral and general health affecting the standard of living and cause death in severe cases. Sinusitis, Periodontitis, black staining across the bridge of nose and sinus, localized discomfort and unbearable diplopia and refractive errors along with embolism and necrosis are seen in mucormycosis patients. Treatment of mucormycosis consists of surgery and replacement of lost structures Patients with compromised immunity need to take proper precautions during and after COVID.