COVID-19 Oral Signs & Symptoms

Lips, Cheeks, Tongue - all places where subtle changes can observed during the early infection of COVID-19. A systematic review of 40 studies found 45% of COVID-19 infected individuals presented with oral signs/symptoms including: loss of taste, dry mouth, and blistering of the oral tissues.

COVID tongue is a clinical presentation of your tongue first described in the United Kingdom. The tongue appears enlarged, to the point where the sides of the tongue are scalloped due to tongue pressing against the teeth. Other changes include patches of color changes throughout the surface of the tongue, which are reddish in color with a white to off white halo surrounding the red lesions. These lesions are typically not circles, but rather odd shaped rings that can mimic geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis).

Lips and cheek lesions present much like canker sores (aphthous ulcers). These superficial changes can blister and form ulcers and appear on the lips, lining of the cheeks, and gum tissues. These symptoms often appear within the first few days of infection, and do not appear in all cases, however, some cases these are some of the only symptoms.

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What is a Periodontist? What do they do?

Simply put, we are dentists who have specialized education and skills to treat all of the supporting structures that keep your teeth in your mouth. We specialize in the gum tissue, jaw bone, and ligaments to keep your teeth healthy and allow you to maintain your teeth throughout your life. Periodontists have continued their education beyond dental school, have taken state and national board exams and Dr. Davis is certified to practice at the highest level of achievement in this field.

Losing your teeth does not have to be a foregone conclusion, advancements in diagnosing and treating periodontal and gingival diseases have helped drive dentistry to a point where people are maintaining their smiles and quality of life longer.

Periodontists work closely with all dental offices to help treat and maintain your teeth. Treatment of periodontal and gingival diseases can vary depending on risk factors and are tailored to each individual. If you have questions about your periodontal status, or what additional services are offered, please explore our Services page, or call/email our office. Referrals are not necessary, we welcome walk-ins, and self referrals.

A healthier smile starts with you.

Take control of your dental health.

We are here to help.