Evaluation of the xerostomia, taste and smell impairments after Covid-19

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) on the oral cavity by evaluating the oral findings in the patients who recovered after treatment. Material and Methods: This study involved confirmed Covid-19 patients whose treatment completed at least two weeks ago. A questionnaire consist of eight parts was applied to explore the oral findings after Covid-19. Also stimulated salivary flow rate was evaluated with a salivary flow test. Results: 177 patients reached and 107 of them participate in the study. Regarding gender significant differences were found in terms of the presence of taste impairment after treatment (p= 0.007), the degree of taste (p= 0.021) and smell (p= 0.010) impairment. 18 % (5/27) of the patients evaluated were showed hyposalivation. No significant differences were observed regarding salivary flow between males (mean +/- SD: 1.14 +/- 0.65) and females (mean +/- SD: 1.12 +/- 0.43), (p= 0.928); among the patients having treatment at home (mean +/- SD: 1.03 +/- 0.48) or hospital (mean +/- SD: 1.33 +/- 0.65), (p= 0.187). In some of the patients' taste [15], smell [23] impairment, and xerostomia [43] still observed at least two weeks after the treatment is completed. Conclusions: The most frequent finding in patients after the treatment was xerostomia. Taste and smell impairments were more frequently observed in females.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the effects of Covid-19 on the oral cavity by evaluating oral findings in patients who recovered from the disease. Taste and smell impairments were more frequently observed in females, and some patients still experienced taste, smell impairments, and xerostomia at least two weeks after treatment. The most common oral finding after treatment was xerostomia.