SARS-CoV-2 and Oral Manifestation: An Observational, Human Study

Abstract

The correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and oral manifestations is still controversial. The aim of this observational study was to determine the oral manifestation of the hospitalized patients for COVID-19. A total of 20 patients met the inclusion criteria and gave their signed informed consent. A questionnaire of 32 questions regarding the oral and systemic health condition was administrated to these patients during the convalescence. A descriptive statistic was performed. Data were analysed through the use of χ² test, to assess the statistical significance. A statistically significant increase of about 30% of reporting xerostomia during hospitalization was observed (p = 0.02). Meanwhile, a decrease of oral hygiene was observed during the hospitalization, even if a non-statistically significant difference was shown between the two study time points (before and after hospitalization). During the hospitalization period, 25% of patients reported impaired taste, 15% burning sensation, and 20% difficulty in swallowing. An interesting result was that among the systemic conditions, hypertension was observed in 39% of patients and mostly in female patients (62.5%). Further studies are necessary to better understand the symptoms of this new virus in order to faster detect its presence in humans. Probably, a multidisciplinary team following the COVID-19 patients could be of key importance in treating this disease.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; dysgeusia; oral manifestation; xerostomia.

Figure A1

Use of dental floss before and after hospitalization of the patients. No statistical difference was shown between the study time points (p > 0.99).

Figure A2

Habit of tongue-brushing before and after hospitalization of the patients. No statistical difference was shown between the study time points (p = 0.333).

Figure A3

Bleeding of gums before and after hospitalization of the patients. No statistical difference was shown between the study time points (p > 0.99).

Figure A4

Tooth extraction (EX) carried out between males and females. No statistical significance (p = 0.15) was shown between the sexes on the tooth extraction performed.

Figure A5

Difference between fixed-prosthesis wearers between males and females. No statistical significance (p = 0.40) was shown between the sexes.

Figure A6

Difference between removable-prosthesis wearers between males and females. No statistical significance (p = 0.64) was shown between the sexes.

Figure A7

Difference between chewing problems between males and females. No statistical significance (p = 0.56) was shown between the sexes.

Figure A8

Difference between swallowing problems between males and females. No statistical significance (p > 0.99) was shown between the sexes.

Figure A9

Difference between oral burning sensation between males and females. No statistical significance (p = 0.56) was shown between the sexes.

Figure A10

Difference of halitosis perception between males and females. No statistical significance (p > 0.99) was shown between the sexes.

Figure A11

Difference of dysgeusia perception between males and females. No statistical significance (p = 0.31) was shown between the sexes.

Figure 1

The graphic represents the times the patients used to brush their teeth before and after hospitalization. No statistical significance (p = 0.20) was shown between these two time points of the study.

Figure 2

The xerostomia manifestation before and after hospitalization of the patients. A statistical difference was shown between the study time points (p = 0.02).

Figure 3

The graph shows the presence of hypertension between males and females. No statistical significance (p = 0.34) was shown between the sexes on the presence of hypertension.