Dear DrBicuspid Member,
Our top story of the week details a rare case of a tooth in a woman's nasal cavity. The patient experienced months of nasal congestion and blood-tinged secretions before examinations and imaging revealed an intranasal tooth as the cause.
That wasn't the only eye-catching case study published on DrBicuspid.com this week. We also profiled a man who was diagnosed with cavernous sinus thrombosis and later died. The cause? Either an infection related to a tooth extraction or COVID-19.
Oral damage found in COVID-19 survivors
More than 80% of COVID-19 survivors had damage to the oral cavity or surrounding structures in a study of 122 formerly hospitalized patients in Italy. Salivary gland ectasia and dry mouth were the most frequently reported conditions. Patients also experienced muscle weakness, facial pain, nerve conditions, white tongue, oral ulcers, and altered taste and smell.
The findings are especially notable considering the patients underwent a dental exam about three months after hospital discharge. I wouldn't be surprised if this is just the tip of the iceberg for investigating the potential long-term oral health effects of severe -- or even mild -- cases of COVID-19.
DrBicuspid vaccine survey results
Last but not least, we polled DrBicuspid readers about their thoughts and experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 80% of the respondents said they have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than two-thirds have received a complete course of the vaccine.
Additionally, 70% of respondents were interested in helping with COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Those who had volunteered at vaccination clinics reported positive experiences regardless of whether they were giving the injections, preparing the doses, or monitoring for adverse reactions. Learn more about the findings and check out our infographic.
If you're interested in survey results, you may also want to read about a survey by DentalPlans.com that showed financial concerns -- not fear of COVID-19 -- are keeping many patients from visiting the dental clinic. The column also includes tips on how to remove financial barriers for patients.
Thanks for reading this week's edition. Look forward to more exciting content from DrBicuspid next week.
