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

Abstract

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.