COVID-19 Induced Taste Dysfunction and Recovery: Association with Smell Dysfunction and Oral Health Behaviour

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oral Health

Background:

• Dysgeusia (taste dysfunction) and anosmia (smell loss) are common COVID-19 symptoms.
• Taste disturbances post-COVID-19 are under-researched compared to smell loss.
• Prolonged taste dysfunction presents a significant future healthcare challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the severity and recovery patterns of taste loss following COVID-19.
• To explore the association between taste dysfunction and olfactory symptoms.
• To identify links between taste loss recovery and lifestyle/oral health factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey comparing rapid (≤28 days) and prolonged (>28 days) taste recovery groups.
• Analysis of taste loss severity across different taste qualities (sour, sweet, salt, bitter, umami).
• Statistical assessment of correlations between taste loss and factors including age, sex, illness severity, diet, BMI, supplement use, alcohol, smoking, and oral hygiene practices.

Main Results:

• Taste and smell loss severity and duration were strongly correlated (p < 0.001).
• Salt taste was significantly less impacted than other taste qualities (p < 0.001).
• Persisting taste loss was linked to older age and reduced flossing frequency (OR = 2.22, p = 0.047).

Conclusions:

• Smell and taste loss in COVID-19 are interconnected, though isolated dysfunction can occur.
• Salt taste may be more resilient to COVID-19-induced damage.
• Improved periodontal health, indicated by flossing, may correlate with quicker taste recovery, suggesting a link to better COVID-19 outcomes.