Side-Effects To Watch For In Children Recovering From COVID-19

Throughout the last few years, there have been close to 400 million cases of Covid-19 worldwide. While the most apparent signs of Covid-19 are loss of taste, among other symptoms, some studies have reported additional oral health concerns associated with Covid-19 infection before, during illness, and during recovery. As pediatric dentists, we’re here to explain some of the potential oral health side effects of Covid-19 and help provide you with the information you need to keep your children healthy.

The Symptoms To Look Out For During Recovery

There are many studies over the last few years that have tracked the progression and symptoms associated with Covid-19 and its ever-evolving variants, and while we are no longer in a pandemic, Covid-19 continues to remain a global threat according to the chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci. It’s essential during these times to be mindful of the disease and keep an eye out for symptoms. With that in mind, we’re here to go over some of the latest symptoms to be associated with Covid-19:

• Lesions or Ulcers: One of the less commonly known symptoms associated with Covid-19 are lesions or ulcers. According to a study published by the Journal of Dental Research, over 80% of patients that became hospitalized with Covid-19 had lesions or ulcers in their mouths. Our respiratory symptoms begin at the mouth and nose, making it a common targeting point for diseases like Covid-19 to be affected. Normally, ulcers should go away on their own, and if they don’t, then it’s important to schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist soon. Beyond lesions and ulcers, many patients also experienced a loss of papilla (bumps on the tongue), enlarged taste buds, and burning sensations in the mouth. During your weeks of recovery, it’s important to keep an eye on your children’s symptoms to make sure they don’t get worse and speak with your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth isn’t a unique side effect of Covid-19, as it affects up to 65% of the population. However, dry mouth can become worse during or after an infection. When a person gets infected, the virus can cause the salivary glands to underproduce saliva. Having healthy saliva flow is important because it helps our mouths maintain moisture and reduces the risk of decay. Without enough saliva to keep our mouths moist, the mouth becomes overly dry, bad breath can come about, and these symptoms can eventually lead to gum disease. In children, this is vitally important because their mouths are still developing. If your child is suffering from dry mouth, make sure to encourage them to drink water and speak with your pediatric dentist soon for treatment.
• Inflammation: Inflammation is considered one of the main symptoms of Covid-19 and also the most harmful. Inflammation is the typical way that the body responds to infection, but this can also lead to extreme levels of inflammation throughout certain parts of the body that are, in fact, harmful. These areas also include the mouth, and the gums can become red, swollen, and bleed heavily after recovery. It’s highly essential to keep an eye on gum inflammation in children, as this can easily lead to gum disease later on.

Finding Resource For Recovery With Your Dentist!

While the pandemic is official over, many people are still continuing to experience the long-term side effects of Covid-19. If you or your child have any lingering oral health side effects after your recovery, then don’t hesitate to contact your local pediatrist dentist to schedule an appointment for treatment. 

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