If you’re still not feeling your best months after a COVID-19 infection, you may be dealing with long COVID. This condition causes lingering symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and even oral health issues. Your Plano dentist wants you to know that your mouth can show signs of long COVID, and these changes should not be ignored.
If your smile feels a little off, contact Ankita J Patel, DDS, at Family Wellness Dentistry. Our Plano, TX, dentist can help you treat long COVID symptoms like dry mouth, gum problems, and sensitivity with comprehensive services. Call us at (972) 867-5989 for an appointment now!
In this post, we explore how long COVID may affect your smile and how your Plano dentist can help you stay on track.
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID refers to symptoms that continue for four weeks or longer after your initial COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may last for several months. Common issues include tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, brain fog, and joint pain.
However, your Plano dentist emphasizes that long COVID can also affect your mouth. Some patients report gum swelling, dry mouth, tooth pain, and even unexpected tooth loss.
These symptoms may not seem serious at first, but they can quickly lead to bigger dental problems. Your Plano dentist is here to help you recognize the signs and take action early.
How Long COVID Causes Dry Mouth
Studies suggest that about half of long COVID patients experience dry mouth. This can happen because the virus affects your salivary glands or because medications dry out your mouth.
Saliva protects your teeth by keeping your oral pH balanced and washing away food particles. When your mouth is dry, however, harmful bacteria build up more easily. Your Plano dentist wants you to know that dry mouth increases your risk for cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
To reduce dry mouth, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine, and chew sugar-free gum. Your Plano dentist may also recommend saliva substitutes or prescription products to keep your mouth moist.
Gum Inflammation After COVID-19
Another issue your Plano dentist sees in post-COVID patients is gum inflammation. Some people notice their gums bleed easily, look red, or feel tender. This inflammation could be linked to changes in the immune system or poor oral hygiene during illness.
Gum inflammation is an early sign of gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Your Plano dentist can clean the buildup around your gums and help you restore your oral health. If inflammation persists, special mouth rinses or deep cleanings might be needed to protect your smile long term.
Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Can Increase
Tooth pain and increased sensitivity are also common after recovering from COVID-19. This may be due to changes in nerve response, dry mouth, or even nighttime teeth grinding brought on by stress.
If you suddenly feel pain when drinking hot or cold beverages, tell your Plano dentist. Dr. Patel can identify whether your enamel is worn or your nerves are inflamed. Treatments like fluoride varnish or desensitizing toothpaste can help. Your Plano dentist may also check for cracked teeth or grinding patterns to prevent further damage.
Mouth Sores and Discomfort
Some long COVID patients develop mouth sores, ulcers, or a burning feeling on the tongue or inside the cheeks. These symptoms may be linked to vitamin deficiencies, reduced immunity, or fungal infections like oral thrush.
A Plano dentist can examine your mouth and determine the cause. You may need a topical rinse, antifungal treatment, or changes to your diet. Sores that don’t heal within two weeks should always be examined by your Plano dentist to rule out more serious conditions.
Lost or Altered Sense of Taste
COVID-19 is known for affecting the senses of taste and smell. While most people recover within a few weeks, some long COVID patients experience these changes for months. Your Plano dentist explains that this can indirectly harm your oral health.
When food doesn’t taste right, you may eat less or reach for ultra-processed comfort foods, which can affect nutrition and oral health. You might also skip brushing if you don’t enjoy the flavor of your toothpaste. Your Plano dentist recommends using non-mint toothpaste if you have sensitivity and sticking to a healthy, balanced diet – even if your taste buds are still recovering.
Stress-Related Grinding and Jaw Pain
Living with long COVID can be stressful. That stress often shows up in your mouth. Clenching and grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down enamel, cause headaches, and damage your jaw joint.
If you wake up with sore jaws or tight facial muscles, let your Plano dentist know. A custom nightguard can protect your teeth while you sleep. Your Plano dentist may also recommend relaxation techniques or jaw exercises to reduce tension and improve comfort.
Risk of Tooth Loss and Bone Changes
In rare cases, long COVID may cause sudden tooth loss. While this is uncommon, it may happen in people with underlying gum disease or poor oral hygiene during illness. COVID-19 may also affect blood flow or bone density, which supports your teeth.
If your teeth feel loose or your gums are receding, schedule an exam with your Plano dentist. The earlier you catch these changes, the more treatment options you’ll have.
Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential
Even if you’re managing fatigue or brain fog from long COVID, it’s important to keep your dental appointments. Regular cleanings and exams with Dr. Patel help prevent small problems from becoming big ones.
Your Plano dentist understands that long COVID can make everyday tasks harder. She’ll work with you to create a gentle, flexible care plan that meets your needs. Whether you need shorter visits, additional cleanings, or more frequent check-ins, your Plano dentist is here to support your recovery.
Recover Better After COVID – Visit a Plano Dentist Today!
With regular care and the help of your Plano dentist, your mouth and body can heal better after COVID. So, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse – coordinate a visit with Dr. Patel on our website here, or call Family Wellness Dentistry in Plano, TX, at (972) 867-5989 to book an appointment.