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Why Women Need Annual Traditional and Gynecological Health Exams

Why Women Need Annual Traditional and Gynecological Health Exams

May 11, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Heart disease. Cancer. Stroke. Diabetes. All are among the top ten killers of women in the US and most can be prevented or cured when caught early. These diseases are just a few that women are tested for when they schedule their annual health exam. However, many women fail to schedule a traditional annual health exam each year because they consider their annual gynecological exam to be sufficient. 

The Difference Between a Women’s Annual Gynecological Exam and a Traditional Health Exam

Many women assume their annual gynecological check ups to be all they need as far as yearly wellness checks are concerned. However, a gynecological exam typically only consists of a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, and a breast exam. A mammogram and additional women’s health tests may also be performed if you are at a higher risk for certain conditions and illnesses. 

What to Expect During a Pelvic Exam, Pap Smear, and Breast Exam

Pelvic exams are performed to determine if the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and bladder are in good health. This exam includes a visual and manual check to find any signs of a problem. Pap smears are usually performed at the same time as the pelvic exam. This is a screening test for cervical cancer that involves swabbing the cervix to find abnormalities in cervical cells. 

Manual breast exams are performed in women between ages 20 – 40 during their annual gynecological visit. This exam finds lumps and other abnormalities in the breast that could be signs of breast cancer. Women aged 40 and up also receive a mammogram, an x-ray of the breasts that finds changes in breast tissue and other symptoms of cancer. 

What to Expect During a Traditional Annual Health Exam

Gynecological exams focus on a woman’s reproductive and breast health while a traditional wellness exam takes an overall look at physical and mental health. Women can expect a physical exam, blood tests, and to discuss their personal and family health history with their provider. This is also the best time for women to share any mental health concerns with their providers so they can begin addressing the issue. 

Women’s Health at Mantachie Clinic

We offer comprehensive annual health exams as well as women’s pelvic exams and Pap smears at Mantachie Rural Healthcare. We also have in-house mental health professionals in case you and your provider determine you need more assistance in treating your concerns. You may schedule these visits in the same appointment or at different times. We encourage you to schedule these important exams each year to help us keep you in the best health possible. Click here or dial 662-282-4226 to schedule an appointment now. 

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The Dangers of Kids Buying Drugs Online

May 3, 2021 By Leave a Comment

In February 2021, famed therapist and radio host, Dr. Laura Berman experienced a nightmare no parent ever wants to go through. She found her sixteen-year-old son lying unresponsive on his bedroom floor from a drug overdose. Paramedics were unable to revive him, and on February 9, Samuel Berman Chapman lost his young life.  The Berman-Chapman family is one of many who have suffered the dangers of kids buying drugs online.

Berman revealed in an interview that her son died of an overdose on the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl and that he purchased the drug online. As tragic as this story is, it’s far from the first of its kind. In 2016, the death of two Utah teens made headlines when their baffling deaths were revealed to be caused by the drug U-47700. Police found evidence that the teens had purchased the drug online after searching through their social media accounts. Known on the street as “pink” or “pinky”, U-47700 is the same drug found in the home of the late music legend, Prince, at the time of his death. 

Fentanyl and U-47700 are just two of several deadly synthetic drugs that can be purchased online. One of the many dangers of these drugs is that they typically contain much higher amounts of the drug than advertised. This is why so many purchasers have overdosed or died from an overdose. Synthetic drugs are more readily available because chemists can easily duplicate recipes for the drugs and recipes found on the internet. However, since the pandemic, authorities have also seen an increase in the sales of heroin, cocaine, and other popular recreational drugs on social media as drug dealers have had to find more creative ways to keep business going during lockdowns and quarantines. 

Signs Your Child May Be Purchasing Drugs Online

You may want to give your child privacy but monitoring their online activities at any age is key to protecting them from buying drugs and other dangerous online behaviors. Knowing the behavioral signs of a child ordering drugs online can help you recognize the warning signs and just may save your child’s life. Here’s what to look for:

  • Displaying secretive behavior when online such as quickly turning off computers or clicking off a web page when you or another adult enters the room.
  • Lying or deceitful behavior especially if your child doesn’t typically engage in deceit.
  • Suddenly receiving packages or going out and returning with packages they don’t want to open in front of you.
  • Sudden increase in spending or missing money. 
  • Spending more time alone in their room and locking the bedroom door. 
  • General signs of drug abuse like drastic changes in behavior and changes in sleep habits. 

What You Can Do to Teach Your Kids the Dangers of Buying Drugs Online

Prevention is always the best method for stopping anything deadly, including drug abuse. Even if your child has already participated in buying and using online drugs you can stop further efforts. Prevent your kids from buying drugs online by:

  • Keeping communications lines open and staying aware of what’s happening in your teen’s daily life. Talk with them about what’s going on in their lives and keep note of their behavior or any changes in their behavior.
  • Helping them understand the consequences of drug use and purchasing unknown drugs. Tell them the truth about the dangers of overdosing and death associated with overdose. 
  • Monitoring their online searches and social media accounts.
  • Monitoring any packages they receive, especially ones from unrecognized senders.

Do you suspect your teen or preteen is using or buying online drugs? Mantachie Rural Healthcare can help get your child back on track with our behavioral health services. Get help now by dialing 662-282-4226 to request an appointment. 

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Minority Health and Diabetes

April 27, 2021 By Leave a Comment
minorities and type 2 Diabetes

Two 2018 reports from the Office of Minority Health outlined the higher rates of type 2 diabetes among minorities than non-Hispanic white Americans. Specifically, non-Hispanic African-Americans were 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white Americans. Non-Hispanic black Americans were also twice as likely to die from diabetes as non-Hispanic Caucasian Americans. In the same year, Hispanics in the U.S. were 70 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than white Americans and they were also 1.3 times as likely to die from the same disease as non-Hispanic whites. 

Why are minorities in America more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white Americans? 

Social disparities among minorities are the most common culprits. The inability to afford or access healthy foods as well as poor access to healthcare providers and gyms are just a few reasons why minorities struggle to maintain their health. These struggles are especially evident in rural areas where public transportation and access to local medical providers are few and far between. 

What is the healthcare community doing to help minorities have better health?

The CDC has implemented several programs to address social health disparities among minorities. They have partnered with private and public organizations to develop the National Diabetes Prevention Program. However, enrollment among minorities into this program has been low so the CDC has also funded 10 national organizations to start new in-person and online programs in underserved areas. Participants of the program work with a trained lifestyle coach to learn how to eat healthily, exercise properly, and make good lifestyle choices.  

While national organizations like the CDC are doing what they can to bring better health to minorities across the US, Mantachie Rural Healthcare is doing our part to provide diabetes care and education to all people groups in our rural community, including minorities. We offer an income-based sliding scale for healthcare, free monthly diabetes education courses, and access to a dietitian and other health professionals to help our patients learn how to become healthy. To schedule your first visit with us, dial 662-282-4226 or click here to request an appointment. 

Filed Under: Health News, Wellness Tagged With: , ,

The Difference Between a Sports Physical and Annual Physical and Why Your Child Needs Both

April 20, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Each year in the spring, young Mississippi athletes all over the state head to their family medical provider’s office for their annual sports physical. Sometimes, the sports physical is the only exam a young athlete will undergo in a year, but children need more than a sports physical to determine the accurate state of their health. 

In addition to a sports physical, your young athletes also need an annual physical exam each and every year. The good news is that most providers will allow you to schedule these important exams at the same appointment. The providers at Mantachie Rural Healthcare can not only see your children at our clinic for their annual physical and sports physical, but we can also take care of these exams at our school-based clinic at Mantachie School which means parents don’t need to miss work for their child’s appointment. 

What to Expect at a Sports Physical

A sports physical focuses on your child’s current health status and medical history to ensure your child is healthy enough to take the field. Their provider will also review pre-existing injuries and assess your athlete’s current fitness level. Areas of focus during a sports physical include:

  • Height and weight
  • Vision and hearing 
  • Heart health
  • Blood pressure
  • Muscle and bone health 
  • Flexibility and strength

What Happens During a Pediatric Annual Physical

Annual physicals take a more in-depth look at your child’s overall health. In addition to their physical health, annual exams also focus on the developmental, emotional, and social aspects of your child’s health. Areas of focus in an annual physical for children include:

  • Health history
  • Immunizations
  • Lab work if needed
  • A behavioral and developmental screening if necessary
  • Nutrition and sleep habits
  • Preventative health
  • Adolescent issues

Their provider will take a look at your child’s overall health history as well as your family’s medical history. They may also discuss important factors in your child’s development such as puberty, healthy relationships, peer pressure, and drug and alcohol use. 

Need to schedule your child’s annual exam and sports physical? Dial or 662-282-4226 to schedule an appointment at our clinic, or if your child attends Mantachie schools, contact the school’s office to request a form to send your child to our school-based clinic. 

Filed Under: Children's Health and Wellness, Wellness Tagged With: , , ,

How to Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer

April 9, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Around 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. This potentially deadly cancer can’t always be prevented but you can significantly lower your risk of developing the disease. Before we dive into how you can lower your risk for oral cancer, let’s take a look at its causes and symptoms.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Physical signs of oral cancer include:

  • A lip or mouth sore that won’t heal
  • A white or reddish patch inside the mouth
  • Loose teeth
  • A growth or lump inside the mouth
  • Mouth pain
  • Ear pain
  • Difficulty or painful swallowing 

Causes and Risk Factors

Oral cancer occurs when cells inside the mouth experience a mutation in their DNA. This mutation is typically caused by:

  • Tobacco use of any kind
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Excessive sun exposure to the lips
  • Human papillomavirus
  • A weakened immune system

Though factors like a weakened immune system can’t always be helped, most of the risk factors associated with oral cancer can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices. The Mayo Clinic suggests making the following lifestyle changes to  lower your risk of developing oral cancer. 

  • Stop or don’t use tobacco of any kind, including vapes, cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Tobacco exposes cells inside the mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals. 
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or only have a drink in moderation. Alcohol irritates the mouth’s cells making them more vulnerable to cancer. Moderate alcohol use in healthy adults includes no more than one drink a day for women of all ages and men over age 65 and one to two drinks per day for men under age 65. (Note: We do not advise drinking alcohol on any level. However, this information provided by Mayo Clinic is important for those who intend to only drink moderately.)
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure to the lips. Wear a wide-brim hat and sit under an umbrella if you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time. Don’t forget to pick up an SPF chapstick at your local dollar or drug store for easy lip protection. 
  • See your dentist regularly and follow proper daily oral care guidelines. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. You may also use an oral rinse to boost your cleaning efforts. 

Visiting your dentist regularly helps detect early signs of a problem like oral cancer and keeps your mouth healthy with professional cleanings. If it’s been a while since your last dentist appointment, there’s no better time than right now to schedule your next appointment. Click here to request a visit.

Filed Under: Health News Tagged With: ,

The Most Common Early Signs of Autism

April 1, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Autism spectrum disorder is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting a child’s social skills, communication, and development. One in 54 children will be diagnosed with autism. In many cases, signs of autism begin to show while children are still babies. 

Today we’re looking at the most common early signs of autism. These signs may not be obvious at first because most autistic babies still sit, crawl, and walk on time. Hitting these milestones makes it easy to overlook other delays in developmental milestones such as body gestures, pretend play, and developing a social language. Subtle differences in children with autism may present before their first birthday and typically become more obvious by 24 months of age. 

Before we share the common early signs of autism, it’s important for parents to know that symptoms vary by each child and your child could show some, all, or none of these signs and still be on the spectrum. Remember that if your gut, or parental instinct, is telling you something is off, it’s a good reason to contact your child’s medical provider and get an answer. 

Common Social Differences

Many babies with autism fail to keep or make very little eye contact, even with parents. They also don’t usually respond to a parent’s smile or facial expression. Other social differences you may observe include:

  • Not looking at objects or events the parents point to
  • Not pointing at objects to direct your attention to them
  • Not bringing objects of personal interest to show to parents
  • Not showing appropriate facial expressions such as a smile when given a toy
  • Not showing concern or empathy for others
  • Being unable to or uninterested in making friends

Communication Differences

In addition to not pointing to things, babies on the autism spectrum often don’t say single words by age 16 months. They may also repeat what others are saying without understanding the meaning of the words. Other communication differences to watch for include:

  • Not responding to their name being called but responds to other sounds like a cat’s meow or a loud horn. 
  • Referring to themselves as “you” and mixing up pronouns
  • Often seems to want to avoid communication
  • Cannot start or continue a conversation
  • Regression in language skills or other social milestones between ages 15 and 24 months

Behavioral Differences

These are some of the most obvious signs of autism. Stereotypical behavioral differences such as rocking back and forth, spinning, twirling fingers, flapping hands, and walking on toes are the most common differences in children with autism. Children with autism may also:

  • Like routines, orders, or rituals and have difficulty with changes or transitioning to a new activity
  • Be obsessed with a few or unusual activities they perform repeatedly
  • Play with parts of toys instead of the whole thing
  • Appear to not feel pain
  • Be or not be sensitive to certain smells, sounds, lights, textures, or touch. 
  • Have an unusual use of their vision or gaze

If you’re reading this, you may have concerns about your child and autism. Your family medical provider is the best place to start getting answers. Mantachie Rural Healthcare can help. Request an appointment today at 662-282-4226. 

Filed Under: Children's Health and Wellness, Wellness Tagged With: , , ,

The Warning Signs of COPD

March 23, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known as COPD, is a chronic inflammatory lung disease causing obstruction in the lung’s airways. The United States sees more than 3 million cases of COPD each year. COPD is known as a smoker’s disease–90 percent of patients are former smokers. However, nonsmokers can also develop COPD from secondhand smoke and exposure to environmental irritants and pollutants. In rare cases, nonsmokers develop COPD simply because of their DNA. 

Early Warning Signs of COPD

The earliest signs of COPD are so mild that many people chalk up their symptoms to getting older. If left untreated, COPD can lead to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and even cancer. The first and most common symptoms of COPD include:

  • Shortness of breath in everyday activity
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Constant coughing
  • Producing large amounts of mucus
  • Feeling tired or fatigued
  • Developing frequent colds or flu

Though there is no cure for COPD, getting a diagnosis and treatment early is the key to living a healthier, normal, longer life. If your disease is allowed to progress, you’ll soon experience advanced symptoms such as:

  • Swollen legs or fee due to fluid build-up
  • Weight loss
  • Less muscle strength/endurance
  • Morningtime headaches
  • Blue or grey lips or fingernails

In addition to these symptoms, you may also develop chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or cancer. Chronic bronchitis is the most common problem for COPD patients. It’s characterized by a “smoker’s cough”, or a nagging cough with mucus, that is worse in the mornings and during damp, cold weather.

Diagnosis and Treatment

COPD can be diagnosed by your general healthcare provider using your personal and family health history, a physical exam, a blood test, or the Spirometry breath test, the main test for COPD. The Spirometry test finds problems related to COPD before symptoms occur, and it can also help determine the stage of the disease. A chest x-ray may also be performed to rule out other possible causes of symptoms such as pneumonia. 

Treatment for COPD begins with quitting smoking. Simply quitting smoking can help slow or stop damage to the lungs from COPD. Following a healthy diet and exercise plan (walking is the best exercise for COPD) can also improve symptoms. In addition to these lifestyle changes, your doctor may also prescribe long-acting and short-acting bronchodilators to treat your symptoms. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed occasionally when symptoms worsen and antibiotics may also be prescribed for infections. People with COPD are more prone to lung infections than those without the disease. 

Patients with advanced stages of COPD are often prescribed oxygen therapy to help them stay active without feeling tired or out of breath. Oxygen therapy also protects the brain, heart, and other organs. In more serious cases, surgery such as a bullectomy or lung volume reduction may be necessary. These procedures remove the diseased part of the lung, allowing healthy tissue to perform better and make breathing easier. Patients with extreme cases may require lung transplant surgery for survival. 

As you can see, COPD is a very serious disease that can also be prevented or slowed in most cases. The providers at Mantachie Rural Healthcare can help you stop smoking and also diagnose COPD if you are showing symptoms. To make an appointment with one of our providers, dial 662-282-4226.

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What is Social Pain and Why It’s More Common Than Ever

March 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Social pain isn’t a term one hears often. But in the last year, the number of people suffering from social pain is greater than ever due to the effects of the pandemic. Social distancing, unexpected deaths from covid-19, canceled events and plans, and political unrest are just a few contributors to the increased number of people experiencing social pain. 

What is Social Pain?

Social pain refers to the painful emotions caused by situations involving other people. Emotions include but are not limited to feeling rejected, alone, ostracized, devalued, abandoned, disconnected, and grief. A study by the University of Sao Paulo suggests the pandemic has caused a substantial spike in social pain. Social pain is often a reaction to the loss of relationships by way of rejection, abandonment, moving away, death, etc. Social distancing and quarantining has increased the negative emotions associated with social pain due to the lack of contact with people whose relationships we value. 

The Benefit of Social Pain

Like physical pain, the function of social pain is to alert us to threats to our social well-being. In turn, these emotions will deter us from doing things that undermine our relationships. Social pain often leads us to make more effort to maintain intact relationships.

How to Cope with Social Pain

Social pain is not unmanageable. In fact, most steps taken to treat these negative emotions are done at home. The first step to managing social pain is to accept that what you are feeling is real. These feelings are completely normal but do not indicate something is wrong with you. However, these emotions may mean your social connections are not where you want them to be. 

Managing your thoughts is the next step. Learning to train your thoughts away from the source of your pain keeps you from wallowing in your feelings. Find an interesting distraction like a hobby, music, reading, working out, or even watching a compelling movie or television show. Practicing meditation is another way to train your mind to control your thoughts. 

Social pain responds to sensorial experiences which means doing something as simple as moving your body or resting can take your mind off your pain. Looking at beautiful and colorful things, listening to music, taking a warm bath or shower, and even grabbing a hug from a loved one or pet living in your home can ease feelings of social pain. 

Finding ways to connect with others is also essential. The more personal and direct the communication is, the better it works to treat social pain. Video chats and phone calls work best but email and texts are better than nothing at all. Reminiscing with old photos, letters, or messages as well as thinking about positive memories of your loved one can also take away negative feelings. 

Of course, if your social pain lasts longer than two weeks or more with no relief, seek help from your healthcare provider. Mantachie Rural Health Care provides both medical and mental health care and can help you get over the hump of social pain. Click here to request an appointment now. 

Filed Under: Health News, Mental Health, Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Delicious Foods to Protect Your Health Over 50

March 9, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Aging isn’t for the faint of heart. Between sagging skin and higher risks of chronic health conditions, our bodies are fighting more than time once we click past the half-century mark. But you still have a lot of life to live and adventures to take, so buckle up for a drive through some delicious food territory that will tickle your taste buds and keep your mind and body active for decades to come.

Fish

Let’s start with something versatile and delicious: fish! Particularly fatty fish like salmon, albacore tuna, herring and farmed trout. Try to eat fish at least twice a week. These main dishes are filled with DHA, which is good for your brain. If you aren’t a fish fan, other great sources of DHA include walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seed. 

Protein

Keeping on the theme of main dishes, protein helps you fight muscle and bone loss, but don’t rely on processed meats or too many protein powders. Eggs, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and poultry provide your body with superior nutrition without the extra salt and additives that could increase your risk of heart disease and cancer. Varying your protein options keeps you from getting bored with your food choices and reduces the chances you’ll slip back those processed easy foods.

Calcium

Sure milk and cheese are yummy ways to reach your goal of 1200 milligrams of calcium per day, but why limit yourself? Yogurt, rice, soy drinks, fortified orange juice, tofu, and broccoli can help you reach your goal too. Did you know cooked broccoli releases even more health benefits for your body? Roast some in the oven, cook it in a sauce, or throw it on the grill for a different take on this green veggie.

Fruit

What goes better with yogurt, cubed cheese, or a smoothie than your favorite fruits. Every fruit offers unique benefits to your health. Red fruits like watermelon and strawberries are rich in lycopene which could lower your risk of cancer and may protect you against strokes. Blueberries hit everyone’s “must eat” list because they are rich in vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants like anthocyanin and compounds that lower inflammation. Citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory properties and may help protect you against some cancers. You’ll receive the most benefit from eating all these fruits fresh instead of cooked into pastries.

Cabbage and Cruciferous Vegetables

Our immune health has taken a front seat in recent months, and nothing could be better for bolstering your immune system than foods in the cabbage family. Don’t like cabbage itself? No problem. This family includes a wide variety of vegetables such as kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and radishes as well as maybe less known choices such as arugula, bok choy, horseradish, rutabaga, turnips, watercress, and wasabi. Many of these also fall into the “dark leafy green” category which means they do double duty to protect your eyes, memory, and thinking. Look for creative ways to cook any of these vegetables including roasting them, eating them in salads, or mixing them into other dishes.

Fiber and Whole Grains

So far we’ve built a pretty tasty plate with fish, fruit, cheese, and some roasted veggies, but you still need to add fiber and whole grains to your diet. Many of the foods we’ve already mentioned include much of the fiber you need, but as you age you need more fiber than before. Men over 50 should aim for 30 grams of fiber a day, and women should aim for 21 grams. Fiber not only helps keep your digestive system regular, but it lowers cholesterol, helps manage your blood sugar, and keeps your weight healthy. Whole grains provide another great source of fiber plus they add B-6 and folate to keep your brain healthy. You’re not limited to whole wheat bread, though. Quinoa, wheat berries, and whole-wheat couscous can add variety to your diet.

Spice It Up

Spices not only add delicious flavor to your foods, but they provide benefits all on their own. As you age, your sense of taste and smell change. You’re more likely to lose sensitivity to salty and bitter foods first, which may drive you to oversalt foods or lean toward sweets instead. You can up the flavor of your foods with non-salt spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, rosemary, and garlic. 

Water

As you age, you won’t notice your thirst as often as you once did. This leads senior adults to be more vulnerable to dehydration. Aim to drink eight 8-ounce cups of water a day. Add fruit juice, tea, soup, and those fruits and vegetables with high water content to help you reach your goal if needed. 

Finding the right mix of nutritious, yummy foods to meet your unique dietary needs can be a challenge, especially if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. We have a registered dietcian, Erica Witcher, on our staff. When you meet with our doctor or nurse practitioners, her services are included with your visit at no additional charge. Request your appointment with both our nurse practitioner and dietitian by calling (662) 282-4226.

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Could ‘COVID Tongue’ Be Latest Unexpected Symptom of Virus?

March 1, 2021 By Leave a Comment

Keeping track of all the possible symptoms of COVID-19 is a full-time job. One British scientist claims at least 20% of his patients experience less common symptoms that aren’t officially recognized by the CDC. And we all know at least one person who experienced no symptoms at all. A Spanish study recently found 10% of patients with COVID also had some type of oral health problems such as mouth sores or ulcers. The term “COVID tongue” has been used to describe this uncommon issue, but whether or not it’s actually associated with the virus is debatable.

First, the Known COVID Symptoms

Let’s talk about what we know. The most commonly recognized symptoms of COVID-19 typically show up 2-14 days after exposure and include: 

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

•Congestion or runny nose

•Nausea or vomiting

•Diarrhea

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, most symptomatic patients experience at least one of these problems, which usually prompts them to be tested for the virus. 

COVID Tongue: Is It Real?

Doctors don’t argue that mouth sores or a swollen, discolored tongue may be part of your struggle in a COVID-19 infection, but whether it’s a symptom of the virus remains to be seen. Most doctors agree you won’t typically experience only oral symptoms. 

Some medical providers speculate that oral symptoms could be caused by steroids and other medications prescribed to combat the virus which may lead the way for a thrush infection. The tongue also has a lot of ACE2 receptors, which are targeted by the COVID-19 virus in the lungs. So it’s possible the virus could be present in the mouth as well. Another theory is that COVID-19 activates another virus like the herpes simplex virus which results in mouth ulcers.

On the other hand, oral symptoms could be the result of allergies, irritants, another infection or something you ate.

How to Protect Your Oral Health

Whether you have COVID-19 or not, caring for your oral health is never the wrong answer. Brushing and flossing regularly as well as eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth healthy whether we’re in a pandemic or not. It may also protect your mouth and teeth from unwanted damage should you find yourself with a COVID infection. And, as a reminder, you can continue to protect your overall health by not socializing in large groups, wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently and remaining socially distanced.

If you’re experiencing oral health problems without any other symptoms of COVID-19, make an appointment with our dental clinic. Any new mouth sores should be treated by your dentist. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, we can help you find the right diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Request an appointment online, or call our office at (662) 282-4226 . 

Filed Under: Coronavirus, Health News Tagged With: , , , ,
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