Oral manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2022 Jul 1;27(4):e330-e339. doi: 10.4317/medoral.25259.

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of predisposing factors and oral manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Material and methods: 204 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were included in the study. Questions regarding the systemic, periodontal health, oral hygiene habits, common symptoms and, oral manifestations of COVID-19 such as oral lesions, and dry mouth were included in the survey. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used.

Results: 47.5% of individuals had various systemic diseases. Dry mouth (44.2%) and oral lesions (22.4%) were the most common oral manifestations in COVID-19 patients. Also, dry mouth had the highest VAS score. The most common oral lesion locations were buccal mucosa (15.2%) and tongue (10.8%). The majority of participants (142 patients) were affected by taste disorders. Patients who received periodontal treatment before SARS-CoV-2 infection reported fewer oral complaint and manifestations than those who did not receive periodontal therapy (p=0.032). There was no statistically significant difference between males and females on the presence of any oral manifestations, and taste disorders.

Conclusions: Our results showed that SARS-CoV-2 could cause oral manifestations. However various predisposing factors may be part of the etiology and promote oral findings.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Mucosa
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Taste Disorders / epidemiology
  • Taste Disorders / etiology
  • Xerostomia*