Is there a link between oral health and COVID-19?

While businesses are opening up and more of us are getting vaccinated, Covid-19 doesn’t seem to be going away just yet. Additionally, for over a year as the whole world struggled to keep up with the spread of Covid and nations diverted medical resources to tackling this virus, unfortunately many other diseases and health ailments were going undiagnosed and untreated. More than a year into the pandemic, analysts are trying to gauge the impact on diseases that have largely slipped from public attention.

While the greatest effects will be felt in some of the poorest, most vulnerable countries, in the United States too we see a rise in certain diseases during the pandemic, including oral diseases. Researchers are trying to figure out whether they are due to COVID-19 or secondary factors such as stress, lack of fresh air, or other conditions.

Let’s look at how Covid-19 and oral health may be connected.

1. Populations vulnerable to COVID-19, including those in low socioeconomic or minority groups, older adults, and the uninsured are at increased risk for oral disease and associated systemic health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians and Alaska Natives generally have the poorest oral health of any racial and ethnic groups in the United States,” and these same populations have disproportionately higher incidence of COVID-19–related infection and death.

2. When one is diagnosed with a debilitating disease such as COVID-19, he/she is less likely to practice good oral hygiene. This enables dental plaque to grow, which increases the risk of gingivitis.

3. Some studies show that a dry mouth is a direct effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus damages the salivary glands. It may also occur due to poor oral hygiene or as a side effect of COVID-19 treatment. A dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay.

4. According to the American Dental Association, dentists have noted a 59% increase in teeth grinding, or bruxism, and a 53% increase in chipped and cracked teeth since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bruxism can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth, and other problems.

5. The increased levels of stress brought about by the pandemic have great implications on dental health. Chronic stress can lead to decreased immune response, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Stress can also play a part in a number of other oral health issues, such as jaw issues, cold sores, oral infections, poor hygiene, and others.

The ADA, AAOMP and the American Academy of Periodontology all agree that additional research is needed on oral health conditions that may be related to COVID-19. Remember that maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly contribute to overall wellness.

I am Dr. Slepak, your very favorite dentist. Call today to schedule an appointment: 718.998.2424. My office is located at 2464 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn NY.