Spike in cases of ‘COVID tongue’ in patients, health expert says

Increasing cases of 'COVID tongue' are being seen in coronavirus positive patients, according to a health expertIncreasing cases of ‘COVID tongue’ are being seen in patients who test positive for coronavirus, according to a health expert. 

Tim Spector, a professor in genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and lead of the UK’s COVID symptom study app, reports rising levels of symptoms that are not on the official list of Public Health England (PHE).

This includes mouth ulcers and white patches in the mouth, which he dubs ‘COVID tongue’.

Currently, UK guidance cites a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to smell or taste as the main symptoms of COVID-19.

But Spector urged those who experience ‘a strange symptom or even just headache and fatigue’ to stay at home.

COVID-19 and tooth loss

This is not the first time that oral symptoms have been linked to coronavirus.

Last year, a report suggested that patients who have dental problems and test positive may see them worsen as a result.

For example, a number of patients reported long symptoms such as tooth loss, chipped teeth and gum sensitivity.

Dr David Okano is a Utah-based periodontist and said dental problems are often exacerbated during recovery from acute infections.

Research has also shown that fewer people are adhering to the same personal hygiene routines they followed prior to the pandemic.

For example, almost one quarter of UK adults no longer brush their teeth twice a day. An additional 11% admitted there are days where they do not brush their teeth at all.


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