Oral manifestations in COVID-19 patients: An observational study

BACKGROUND: Viral diseases continue to emerge as a threat to mankind and are a serious concern to public health. The latest lethal SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease, which propagated quickly across the globe. Similar to other influenza-like viral infections, symptoms such as fever, dry cough, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, diarrhea, dyspnea, and fatigue were reported among COVID-19 patients. Evidence suggests that the oral cavity is affected by this virus either directly or indirectly. AIM: The aim of this observational study was to determine the oral manifestations among COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was carried out among COVID-19 recovered patients. A sample of 100 subjects, diagnosed as mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 disease were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The study comprised an almost equal number of male (51%) and female (49%) participants and among them, 48% belong to the health professional group. A total of 54% of subjects were aged above 35 years and 46% below 35 years. Oral manifestations among study subjects during and after the disease illness included xerostomia being the commonest symptom (44%), followed by swallowing difficulty (16%), mouth ulcerations (10%), chewing problem (7%), gum bleeding (6%), and burning sensation (4%). CONCLUSION: Xerostomia, frequent aphthous ulcers, swallowing difficulty, and burning mouth were the most frequently encountered symptoms in study subjects during the disease and post recovery. Early identification of oral symptoms in COVID-19 recovered or suspected cases can help a dentist or a general physician to diagnose high-risk groups, mitigate transmission, and promote overall health.