Covid Mouth: The Overlooked Symptom Affecting One in Ten Patients
While most people are familiar with the classic signs of Covid-19 such as persistent coughs, loss of taste and smell, and extreme fatigue, a lesser-known oral symptom could be affecting approximately ten percent of those infected. Often referred to as "Covid mouth" or "Covid tongue," this condition involves various uncomfortable changes within the oral cavity that many patients might not immediately associate with the virus.
What Exactly is Covid Mouth?
The term describes a range of oral manifestations linked to coronavirus infection. According to the Zoe Health Study, which has been tracking emerging symptoms since 2020, many individuals reported their tongue appearing white and patchy during their positive Covid period, describing it as looking distinctly abnormal. Professor Tim Spector, co-founder of Zoe, highlighted this phenomenon on social media, noting that one in five Covid patients present with less common symptoms not on official lists, including skin rashes and these peculiar mouth ulcers.
Scientific Research and Prevalence
Multiple scientific studies have documented these oral changes. A comprehensive review published in Dermatologic Therapy in 2020 identified dry mouth as the most frequently reported issue, followed closely by loss of taste (dysgeusia) and oral thrush. The research also noted less common problems including altered tongue sensation, muscle discomfort during chewing, mouth swelling, and ulcers on the tongue or inner surfaces of the mouth and lips.
Further evidence comes from a separate study in the British Journal of Dermatology, which examined 666 hospitalised Covid patients in Spain. The findings revealed that 10 percent experienced changes to their mouth or tongue. Among those with mucocutaneous manifestations, oral cavity findings were present in 25.7 percent of cases, including conditions like transient lingual papillitis, glossitis with lateral indentations, aphthous stomatitis, and mucositis. Additionally, 5.3 percent reported a burning sensation, while taste disturbances were commonly associated.
Recognising the Symptoms
Medical reports indicate that Covid mouth can present with several distinct signs:
- Swelling of the tongue
- A persistent burning feeling in the mouth
- A rough, bumpy texture on the tongue's surface
- White, patchy appearances on the tongue
- Various forms of mouth ulcers
- Significant taste disturbances
The exact cause remains unclear, though infections generally can trigger inflammatory responses and changes within the oral environment.
Treatment and Recovery Timeline
Fortunately, for most patients, these symptoms are temporary and typically resolve once the Covid infection clears, which generally takes approximately two weeks. Several over-the-counter remedies have proven helpful in managing discomfort during this period:
- Antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial mouthwashes for white patches and ulcers
- Saliva substitutes to combat dry mouth
- Lozenges designed to stimulate saliva production
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for tongue swelling and pain
If oral symptoms persist beyond the typical two-week recovery period, medical professionals advise consulting your GP for further assessment and potential treatment options.
This emerging understanding of Covid mouth highlights the virus's diverse impact on the human body, reminding both healthcare professionals and the public to remain vigilant about less common manifestations that could indicate infection.
