COVID-19’s Lingering Shadows: How It Still Affects Your Smile in 2025

It’s 2025, and most South Africans have moved on from the days of COVID-19 lockdowns, masks, and endless sanitising. But what if the virus left a mark you can’t see in the mirror? Five years on, are you still feeling COVID-19’s effects in your mouth? At Smilez Dental Surgery, we’re noticing more patients with oral health issues tied to their COVID-19 experience—sometimes without them even realising it. From dry mouth to gum problems, the remnants of this virus are still showing up in our smiles. Let’s explore what’s happening, why it matters in South Africa, and how you can protect your oral health.

The Lingering Oral Effects of COVID-19

COVID-19 didn’t just hit our lungs—it left a surprising impact on our mouths. Five years later, the side effects are still surfacing, often in ways you might not expect. Here’s how the virus’s remnants manifest in your oral health:

1. Persistent Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) was a common symptom during COVID-19 infections, triggered by the virus or medications like antivirals. Saliva is your mouth’s superhero—it fights bacteria, neutralises acids, and prevents cavities. For some, reduced saliva flow lingers years later, leading to a chalky feeling, bad breath, or increased tooth decay. This is especially tough in South Africa, where hot weather and dehydration are already common.

2. Worsened Gum Disease

COVID-19’s inflammatory nature didn’t spare your gums. Research suggests the virus can amplify gum inflammation, turning mild gingivitis into full-blown periodontitis. A 2021 study in Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that COVID-19 patients with gum disease had worse outcomes, hinting at a two-way street: poor oral health may worsen COVID-19, and the virus can aggravate gum issues. Five years on, those who had COVID-19 might notice bleeding gums or loose teeth if these problems went unchecked.

3. Oral Ulcers and Lesions

Some COVID-19 survivors report mouth sores, ulcers, or even fungal infections like oral thrush long after recovery. These can stem from a weakened immune system or medications used during treatment. These lesions aren’t just painful—they can make brushing and flossing harder, setting the stage for further oral health issues.

4. Taste and Smell Changes

Long COVID sufferers often experience altered taste or smell, which can persist for years. This isn’t just annoying—it can affect your diet, leading to more sugary or acidic foods that harm teeth. Plus, if you can’t taste properly, you might not notice bad breath, a sign of underlying oral problems.

5. Stress-Induced Damage

The pandemic brought stress, job losses, and anxiety to many South African households. Stress can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, causing cracked teeth, jaw pain, or worn enamel. Comfort eating—think sugary snacks or cool drinks—also spiked during lockdowns, adding to the risk of cavities.

Why South Africa Needs to Pay Attention

South Africa faced intense COVID-19 waves, with high infection rates and strained healthcare systems. Now, in 2025, the aftermath lingers. Oral health is already a challenge here—according to the South African Dental Association, 84-90% of us rely on public dental services, but only 25% of dentists work in the public sector. Add in economic pressures (unemployment was 30.1% pre-COVID) and cultural tendencies to ignore dental care until pain strikes, and it’s clear why post-COVID oral issues are a big deal.

Rural areas like Limpopo or the Eastern Cape often lack easy access to clinics, meaning small problems can snowball. For those who skipped dental visits during the pandemic due to fear or lockdowns, untreated issues from 2020-2022 could now be serious—like cavities turning into root canals or gingivitis becoming periodontitis.

Are You Seeing These Signs?

Wondering if COVID-19’s remnants are affecting your mouth? Watch for these red flags:

• Dry, sticky mouth or constant thirst, even years after recovery.

• Bleeding or swollen gums, especially if they’ve gotten worse since 2020.

• New cavities or tooth sensitivity, possibly from reduced saliva or diet changes.

• Mouth sores or white patches, which could signal lingering infections.

• Jaw pain or chipped teeth, often tied to stress-related grinding.

• Persistent bad breath or altered taste, linked to long COVID.

If these sound familiar, it’s time to check in with your dentist.

Taking Action: Reclaiming Your Smile

The good news? You can fight back against COVID-19’s lingering oral effects. Here’s how to protect your smile in 2025:

• Book a Dental Check-Up: If you’ve avoided the dentist since the pandemic, make an appointment. Early detection can save your teeth and your wallet.

• Brush and Floss Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss to remove plaque, especially if you’re prone to gum issues.

• Stay Hydrated: Sip water regularly to combat dry mouth, a common post-COVID issue. Sugar-free gum can also boost saliva flow.

• Ease the Stress: Try mindfulness or exercise to reduce teeth grinding. If you suspect bruxism, ask your dentist about a mouthguard.

• Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods: Cut back on sugary snacks and cool drinks, and load up on fruits, veggies, and calcium-rich foods like amasi or milk.

• Tell Your Dentist About COVID: Mention your COVID-19 history or long COVID symptoms—they’ll tailor their advice to your needs.

  
  

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Remnants

Five years after COVID-19 swept through South Africa, its effects on our oral health are still showing up—in dry mouths, inflamed gums, and unexpected dental issues. In a country where dental care can be hard to access, staying proactive is key. Don’t let the virus’s lingering shadows steal your smile. Take charge with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. At Smilez Dental Surgery, we’re here to help you keep your smile shining bright—book your check-up today and let’s leave COVID-19’s dental legacy behind!