Xerostomia after COVID-19 recovery: A preliminary investigation

Background and objectives Xerostomia, or dry mouth, was frequently reported during COVID-19 infection, but its persistence after recovery remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and duration of xerostomia following recovery from COVID-19 infection. Methods This observational study included 50 participants who had recovered from COVID-19. They were surveyed using a xerostomia assessment questionnaire and underwent the modified Schirmer test (MST) to measure their salivary flow rate. Results Overall, n=31(62%) of participants reported one or more xerostomia-related symptoms after recovery. "Feeling of dry mouth" (n=22, 44%) was the most common, followed by nocturnal water intake (n=18, 36%), difficulty swallowing dry food (n=7, 14%), and reliance on liquids during swallowing (n=6, 12%). Hyposalivation (MST <15 mm at 3 min) was observed in 10% (n=5) of participants, all of whom were infected during the second wave (Delta variant). A significant association was noted between self-reported dry mouth and MST findings (P=0.029). Symptoms persisted up to 15 months post-recovery. Interpretation and conclusions Xerostomia may persist after COVID-19 recovery, with potential implications for oral health. Early recognition and management are warranted.