We know that oral health and COVID-19 are linked, even if we don’t understand exactly how. Research shows that people with poor oral health are more likely to have severe COVID-19, which could result in medical care including ICU admission and assisted breathing [1].

Poor oral health is also a major cause of periodontal disease, also called gum disease. So are COVID-19 and gum health linked? The answer is yes! Here’s what you need to know about the link between COVID-19 and periodontal health.

Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

Although the term may be a mouthful, this is simply a type of periodontal disease that comes on more suddenly than traditional gum disease. Necrosis refers to the death of tissue, while ulcerative means there may be ulcers present.

While not quite as severe as necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, this is often a painful and sudden infection that requires professional treatment.

COVID-19 has been linked to necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis [2]. Symptoms may include moderate to severe pain and gum bleeding as well as bad breath, fever, and white, yellow, or gray discharge from the gums.

Gingival Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which the skin gets darker because of increased melanin production in the skin, typically due to damage or inflammation. Hyperpigmentation appears as dark spots on the skin.

Cases of gingival hyperpigmentation—or hyperpigmentation of the gum tissue—have been reported with COVID-19 [3]. In some cases, periodontal tissue lesions were present along with the hyperpigmentation. Gingival hyperpigmentation can present as dark areas on the gums that look different form the rest of the gum tissue.

Although not a common symptom, and generally not a cause for alarm, hyperpigmentation of the gum tissue can cause aesthetic concerns. It’s not known how the virus can cause gingival hyperpigmentation.

Oral Ulcers Similar to Canker Sores

COVID-19 has also been linked to oral ulcers similar to canker sores that can cause pain and discomfort [4]. Aphthous-like ulcers (aphthous ulcers is the technical name for canker sores) have been found in patients with COVID-19 on the periodontal tissue, specifically on the gums.

The virus has previously been linked to non-specific mouth sores. These lesions generally heal on their own and don’t require further treatment. However, a biopsy may be necessary if the ulcers do not heal on their own within two weeks.

Although it’s not known what causes these sores, researchers suspect that COVID-19’s impact on the immune system may be the culprit. In addition, some anti-viral drugs can cause dry mouth and canker sores [5].

Take Care of Your Gums

Since COVID-19 severity has been linked to poor oral health, taking care of your gums may just help you have a healthier body and greater resistance to disease. If you need a gum health checkup or are experiencing any of these periodontal signs or symptoms from a COVID-19 infection, don’t wait to follow up with your dentist for an appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9088593/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7301037/
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971220307001
4.
https://opendentistryjournal.com/VOLUME/17/ELOCATOR/e187421062301240/FULLTE
XT/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9517300/