Coronavirus fourth wave: Common dental signs you must not ignore

As the BA.2 or Stealth Omicron variant cases are rising across the globe, the threat of coronavirus fourth wave in India has increased. The new sub-variant detected earlier this year is ten times more transmissible than its parent variant, Omicron, which was responsible for the third wave in India during January-February. Though the stealth variant of Omicron spreads more speedily, it leads to mild infection. Sometimes the symptoms are not even related to the lungs, leading to confusion and delayed treatment. Researchers have recently pointed out some dental problems that can be witnessed during the fourth wave.

We all know that coronavirus infection leads to a wide range of symptoms. Right from hair loss to sleeplessness, the infectious virus can affect your physical and mental health in multiple ways. Fatigue, fever, sore throat and headaches are the primary signs of the Omicron infection, but in the case of the BA.2 sub-variant researchers suggest that dental signs are prominent.

As per a recent study, about 75 per cent of people infected with coronavirus complained about dental issues. Even during the Delta variant, people reported dental problems, but it was not as prominent as it is this time. So, it is advisable to look out for any new sign of an oral problem or a sudden change or pain in teeth and gums. The common dental signs you must look out for are:

Pain in the gums

Pain in the jaw or tooth

Oral ulcer

Dry mouth

The two primary symptoms of stealth Omicron are dizziness and fatigue. They are reported in most cases of the BA.2 variant. In addition to this, gastrointestinal disorders are common in coronavirus infections caused by the BA.2 variant of the Omicron virus. Some common signs linked with the gut are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn and bloating. Besides, fever, cough, sore throat, blood clot formation in the head, muscle and joint pain, and high blood pressure can also be experienced. Loss of smell and taste which were the most common sign symptoms in the second wave is rare in the case of the BA.2 variant of Omicron.

Read more: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded? Doctors explain possible causes

Not only Stealth Omicron, a new sub-variant of Omicron, XE has also emerged that is said to be even more transmissible. The new variant is a mutant hybrid of two previous versions of Omicron - BA.1 and BA.2. It was first detected in the UK on January 19, 2022, and till now 637 cases have been reported and confirmed.

Coronavirus cases have indeed come down in the past few months, but it is far from over. As the virus continues to mutate, it is essential to follow the COVID norms to stay safe and healthy. Wear your mask all the time, maintain healthy habits, get vaccinated and follow healthy hand hygiene habits.