COVID-19 is known primarily as a respiratory illness, but it can cause diverse symptoms. Common indicators include fever, cough, fatigue, and changes in taste or smell. Many wonder if the virus can also lead to sores inside the mouth.
Oral Manifestations Linked to COVID-19
Various oral manifestations, including sores, have been reported with COVID-19. Individuals may develop aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, which are common oral lesions. These sores often appear on the tongue, lips, and other areas inside the mouth. Herpetiform lesions, resembling cold sores, are also observed in some patients.
The tongue can also show specific changes, sometimes called “COVID tongue” or geographic tongue. This presents as smooth, red patches on the tongue’s surface that may change size and shape. Other reported issues include angular cheilitis, causing irritation at the mouth’s corners, and oral thrush, a fungal infection appearing as white plaques. Swelling of the tongue, known as macroglossia, has also been noted. These oral symptoms can sometimes emerge before other systemic signs of COVID-19.
Why Oral Sores May Occur
The development of oral sores in COVID-19 patients stems from several factors. One explanation involves a direct effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can infect cells in oral tissues through specific receptors. This viral activity can damage nerves and contribute to sore formation. The body’s immune response to the infection also plays a significant role, as inflammatory reactions can lead to tissue damage and lesions.
COVID-19 can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to secondary infections. This vulnerability can lead to opportunistic bacterial or fungal infections, such as oral thrush. Additionally, some medications used to treat COVID-19 can have oral side effects, including fungal overgrowth. General physiological stress and dehydration, common during illness, can further exacerbate existing oral issues or trigger new ones. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common symptom that also increases the risk of oral infections and discomfort.
Caring for Oral Sores
Managing oral sores linked to COVID-19 involves home care and, when necessary, professional medical attention. Gentle oral hygiene, including regular brushing with a soft toothbrush, is important. Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution several times a day can help cleanse the area and reduce discomfort. Some individuals find relief using a baking soda paste or rinse, which may help balance pH and reduce inflammation.
Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate sores, such as spicy or acidic items, and refrain from using alcohol-containing mouthwashes. Staying well-hydrated is also important for overall oral health and healing. Over-the-counter options like pain relief gels or creams containing lidocaine or benzocaine can provide temporary numbing and pain relief. Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine, without alcohol, may also be recommended to prevent secondary infections. If sores are persistent, severely painful, interfere with eating or drinking, or are accompanied by worsening COVID-19 symptoms, seek medical advice.