Could COVID-19 Be the Reason for Your Dry Mouth?
“Best product out there especially at night time when my mouth is at its driest. I recently was on a steroid for inflammation from having COVID-19 and I kept Lubricity spray on my nightstand, was super comforting during 2 weeks of extra dryness during night and daytime! Thank you!!” -Customer Review
A person’s mouth plays an important role in protecting against foreign pathogens. Your mouth serves as the first line of defense against invading microorganisms, including the COVID-19 virus. Unfortunately, if you have been infected with COVID-19, you may experience dry mouth along with other COVID-19 symptoms such as coughing, loss of taste, difficulty breathing, and fever.
It is important to maintain optimal oral health, as it may affect your systemic health and overall quality of life. Be aware of any dry mouth symptoms you may be experiencing, as this may be a sign of the COVID-19 virus.
In this article, you will learn more about how COVID-19 can cause dry mouth, what dry mouth is, why it is important to get relief from dry mouth symptoms, and what the best remedies are for relief of dry mouth symptoms.
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth or xerostomia is a medical condition that causes dysfunction and dysregulation of salivary gland production. A decrease in salivary production can result in, and increase the risk of, oral diseases and oral infections. In addition, it can manifest and exacerbate already existing systemic diseases.
Unfortunately, dry mouth symptoms may affect your quality of life. Dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and may get in the way of completing simple, everyday functions such as talking, swallowing, chewing and more. Some common symptoms of dry mouth are:
- Feeling of dryness and stickiness in your mouth
- Thick and stringy saliva
- Bad breath
- Dry or sore throat
- Dry or grooved fissured tongue
- Altered or metallic taste
- Cracked or split lips
- Increased cavity formation
- Difficulty chewing, talking, or swallowing, and (in extreme cases) breathing
COVID-19 may Affect Cells in Your Mouth
While there is still much to learn about the effects of COVID–19, studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can disrupt the function of cells in the mouth. This may cause altered taste and dry mouth.
Via the National Institute of Health, a team of scientists discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, infects cells in the mouth. These cells are called ACE2 receptors and are found within saliva and throughout the entire body where epithelial tissue cells reside.
As we know, the virus can infect cells in other parts of the body, such as the digestive system, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, and, as this study shows, the mouth. This discovery explains why COVID-19 patients may experience oral symptoms such as loss of taste and dry mouth. Dry mouth and loss of taste may be warning symptoms that ACE2 receptors have been affected by the COVID-19 virus.
Even more so, these discoveries point to the possibility that the mouth may play a role in transmitting the COVID-19 virus to the lungs and digestive system via saliva–infected cells, blood serum and tissue migration. Per the ADA, some patients have even experienced an altered taste and dry mouth symptoms for 6+ months after first infected by the virus. In extreme cases, permanent loss of taste and smell have been found.
To learn more about the importance of saliva and how the COVID-19 virus specifically affects the ACE2 receptors cells in your mouth and saliva, check out this blog written by Sara Juliano, RDH.
Metallic Taste and COVID-19
Metallic taste can be a symptom of COVID-19. Similar to other respiratory infections, COVID-19 may lead to a metallic taste in the mouth due to an infection damaging the cells at the roof of your nose. Click the button below to read more about COVID-19 and metallic taste.
Dry Mouth: A Sign for Early Diagnosis
There are some people who experience dry mouth prior to testing positive with COVID-19. This shows dry mouth can be an indicator that you may have COVID-19.
Future Medicine assessed dry mouth symptoms in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 on a daily basis until all of their dry mouth symptoms had passed. They found that 60% of patients in these cases had dry mouth 3-4 days prior to the onset of other COVID-19 symptoms.
Although more research is needed, we know that dry mouth may be an indicator for an early diagnosis, quarantine, and treatment of patients with COVID-19.
However, it is important to note that dry mouth is also a common symptom associated with many other medical and non-medical conditions. The most common causes of dry mouth include: side-effects of medications, cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren’ Disease), systemic diseases, stress and much more.
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The presence of dry mouth alone itself is not substantial enough to confirm a COVID-19 infection, always speak with your healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you may have.
What Can You Do to Treat Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth can be uncomfortable, but there are several home remedies that you can try to temporarily ease your symptoms. Some temporary ways are:
- Stay hydrated
- Use a humidifier
- Avoid alcohol, including alcohol-based mouthwash
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Reduce tobacco use
For symptomatic relief, use Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray for up to four hours of dry mouth relief. Lubricity contains hyaluronic acid, which helps naturally keep your mouth moist creating a soothed, hydrated feeling.
The Importance of Taking Control of Dry Mouth
Whether you experience dry mouth from COVID-19, or for a different reason, it is important to take control of these symptoms. Unfortunately, dry mouth may lead to a decrease in saliva production and result in tooth decay, oral diseases, and oral infections.
A decrease in saliva production may leave your mouth susceptible to foreign pathogens, bacteria, and infections. It is crucial to be aware of your dry mouth symptoms and how they may affect your overall health.
Maintaining optimal oral health is crucial in maintaining your overall health.
Learn more about dry mouth and COVID-19 in-depth in the second episode of the Teeth Chatters Podcast, “The Toxic Bond” Dry Mouth and COVID-19, click here to listen!
What is Lubricity?
Lubricity is an odorless, flavorless, and colorless spray that is perfect for people who are overly sensitive to taste. Our Dry Mouth Spray also has Zero Calories, NO Gluten, NO Alcohol, NO Sugar, and is Vegan-Friendly!
Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray has 5 simple, natural ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Xylitol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, and Purified Water. This simple formula is clinically proven to alleviate your dry mouth symptoms for up to 4 hours.
How to use Lubricity?
Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray comes in a convenient 0.5 oz and 2oz spray bottle. Simply point and spray 3-5 times per use. When used as directed, Lubricity provides up to 4 hours of relief from dry mouth symptoms.
For best results, we recommend using Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray as follows:
Use Lubricity after a meal and before bed. If needed, Lubricity can be used more than 4 times per day.
*Some may need 3-5 pumps per use, as the bottle needs to be primed upon opening. Relief from symptoms begins immediately. Maximum effectiveness is achieved after 72 hours of continued use.
Important: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your physician before using Lubricity. DO not use Lubricity if you are taking any medications that are contraindicated with the product. Please consult with your physician if you have any concerns regarding the use of this product. Keep out of reach of children.
