How Can COVID-19 Affect My Oral Health?

COVID-19 was initially thought to mostly impact the lungs, but as we get more familiar with the pandemic, we find that this is definitely not the case. Patients battling the infamous virus experience many different symptoms, including fever, the loss of taste and smell, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, blood clots, and some even develop hair loss and skin rashes. But did you know that COVID-19 can also impact your oral health?

COVID-19 And Its Effect on Your Oral Health

Many recovering COVID-19 patients are surprised at the oral health problems they develop. These include weakened teeth and gums, tooth discoloration, dental infections, tooth fractures, and even tooth loss.

The reasons behind the deteriorating oral health of COVID-19 patients are not clear this early into the pandemic. More time is needed to collect data to figure out the coronavirus’s precise impact on the mouth. However, some health experts suspect that the virus directly affects the blood vessels, disrupting the flow to the gums and teeth, weakening the oral cavity, and leading to tooth decay and gum problems. Unfortunately, the vascular damage that COVID-19 causes can persist after overcoming the disease, and with time, dental flare-ups are possible.

COVID-19 and Children’s Oral Health

Scientists have noted that many children who experience very mild COVID-19 symptoms and minor side effects develop some significant dental problems. Just as seen in adults, kids too are suffering from tooth decay, gum infection, vascular damage, and in some cases, even tooth loss!

COVID-19’s Impact on Preventive Dental Care

As the pandemic set in, numerous dental offices around the nation had to close their doors and were not able to offer any elective or preventive procedures to their patients. Instead, they only served patients experiencing dental emergencies. People across the nation and the globe missed out on their routine exams and cleanings, leaving them vulnerable to dental decay, cavities, gum disease, and a host of oral health problems.

As the dental offices began welcoming their patients back, some people continued to fear contracting COVID-19 and shied away from scheduling their routine dental exams and cleanings. Once again, that has resulted in the neglect of vital preventive dental care designed to prevent the onset or progression of dental disease. All these events have exacerbated the oral health crisis many patients are dealing with today!

Your Safety at Tracey Dental

Dr. Long and his outstanding team have always taken every step possible to prevent the spread of any infection. Now, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing the most comprehensive infection guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus and ensure the safety of our valued patients.

Maintaining a Healthy Smile

The best way to keep your smile healthy and bright is to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing. Don’t forget to visit Tracey Dental for your twice-a-year preventive dental exams and cleanings to keep your smile in tip-top shape.

Dr. Long and his team encourage you to consume a healthy, balanced diet to enhance your immunity to provide your gums and teeth with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and sound. Most importantly, stay safe by following the CDC guidelines to minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19 and lower your risk of developing oral and overall health complications.

Outstanding Dental Care Near Me

At Tracey Dental in McKinney, TX, we believe oral health and safety go hand in hand. We encourage you to visit our practice to receive the outstanding dental care your smile needs and deserves. You can always trust that our new normal is still putting your health, safety, and wellbeing first. Don’t let your oral health fall through the cracks during this pandemic. Call us and schedule your appointment today!