Oral cavity manifestations in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of oral manifestations in symptomatic patients in the ambulatory setting with suspected COVID-19. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated oral manifestations in adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with suspected and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare data between the groups (RT-PCR-positive and RT-PCR-negative patients). Results One hundred and thirty-sixparticipants were included. Mostwere female (n = 79; 58.1%), mean age of 39.53 (± 14.17) years. Of these, 54 (39.7%) had a positive RT-PCR test, and 82 (60.3%) had negative RT-PCR results. Oral manifestations were observed in 40 participants (74.1%)in the RT-PCR-positive group and in 67 participants (81.7%) in the RT-PCR-negative group. The most common oral manifestations were xerostomia (n = 85; 62.5%) and dysgeusia/ageusia (n = 57; 41.9%). Different rates of gingivitis (n = 12; 22.2% vs n = 5; 6.1%) and halitosis (n = 7; 13.0% vs n = 1; 1.2%) were observed between the RT-PCR-positive and negative groups, respectively. Mouth ulcers, glossitis, tongue coating, and petechiae were reported in both groups, without significant differences. Conclusions A high prevalence of oral manifestations was observed in symptomatic patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Clinical Relevance This study highlights the importance of routine oral examinations by dentists as part of the multidisciplinary care of COVID-19 patients.