Chemosensory dysfunctions as potential risk factors for tooth demineralization process: The feasible impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on oral health

Abstract

A significant number of people infected with COVID-19 reported experiencing chemosensory dysfunctions, which were related to loss or distortion of the sense of smell and/or taste. Recovery time and rate were different among various populations, and these chemosensory dysfunctions showed the potential to be permanent. The majority of patients infected with COVID-19 who experienced olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions, might have changes in their smell/taste perception and food preferences, influencing both food choices and caloric intake. For instance, higher intake of sweets and fats was observed among these patients. Therefore, based on the permanency of these chemosensory dysfunctions, and their relationship with changes in patients’ taste/smell perception and food preferences, it was hypothesized that patients infected with COVID-19 who have a history of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions, may be more vulnerable to the tooth demineralization process. Hence, during this pandemic, Dental Healthcare Workers (DHCWs) should pay more attention to the patients with COVID-19 who have a history of these chemosensory dysfunctions especially older individuals.