Orange Roof of Mouth as a COVID Symptom & Recovering Taste and Smell

Understanding Orange Roof of Mouth as a COVID Symptom

Over the past two years, COVID-19 has emerged as a serious viral infection that has impacted millions of individuals globally. One of the more unique symptoms associated with COVID is the development of an orange roof of mouth in infected patients.

What Causes Orange Roof of Mouth with COVID?

Medical experts have determined that the orange discoloration that can appear on the roof of the mouth in COVID patients is most likely caused by an inflammatory response triggered by the viral infection. Some key points about orange mouth roof and COVID include:

• The mouth roof turning orange is believed to be caused by inflammation and irritation, potentially accompanied by mouth ulcers or sores.
• This symptom appears to be relatively uncommon, only manifesting in a small subset of COVID patients.
• The discoloration and irritation usually develops early on during the course of COVID illness, typically along with other symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste/smell.
• The orange hue seems to resolve on its own after 1-2 weeks in most patients as they recover from the infection.
• The mouth roof inflammation is thought to be caused by viral activity in the mouth/nose area, which sits very close to the palate roof.

How Common is Orange Roof of Mouth with COVID-19?

While an orange mouth roof can occur with COVID, medical experts say it is not a primary or highly common symptom. Some key statistics on its frequency include:

• One study found that about 6% of COVID patients develop an orange mouth roof.
• Other estimates suggest the number may be a bit higher, affecting up to 1 in 10 patients.
• Middle aged and elderly individuals may be at greater risk for this mouth symptom.
• People with severe COVID infections appear more prone to palate discoloration.
• Most patients only have an orange mouth roof for 7-14 days before it resolves as they get over COVID.

While not exactly rare, an orange palate is seen far less often than primary symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of smell.

Is Orange Roof of Mouth Specific to COVID-19?

While an orange mouth roof can be associated with COVID, it is not necessarily specific to this viral infection. Some key points:

• A variety of other viral and bacterial infections can also occasionally cause an orange hue and irritation in the mouth.
• Oral thrush, a fungal infection, sometimes causes mouth orange discoloration and soreness.
• Certain vitamin deficiencies like iron, B12 or folate deficiency can sometimes manifest with mouth inflammation and orange hue.
• Medical conditions like oral lichen planus may cause mouth sores and irritation that appears orange.
• Dental trauma, burns or irritation may also cause orange spots or patches on the roof of mouth.

Because of this, an orange mouth roof cannot be used alone to definitively diagnose a COVID-19 infection. It must be considered along with other symptoms and diagnostic test results.

Treatment for Orange Palate with COVID-19

In most cases, no specific treatment is required for an orange mouth roof associated with COVID infection. Some general treatment considerations include:

• The orange hue and any associated mouth irritation or sores usually resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks.
• Good oral hygiene and antiseptic mouth rinses can help prevent secondary infections that could delay healing.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used cautiously to manage mouth soreness or discomfort.
• Topical numbing gels or analgesics may provide relief if mouth pain is severe.
• Patients should stay well hydrated and stick to soft, bland foods if eating is uncomfortable.
• Severe irritation or bleeding may require evaluation by a doctor or dentist.

The most important steps are paying close attention to oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and eating a soft diet until symptoms resolve. Most patients see the orange roof of mouth disappear quickly as their COVID infection runs its course.

Can Loss of Taste & Smell Cause Orange Mouth Roof?

Many COVID patients experience loss of taste and smell, so a natural question is whether this symptom is related to the development of an orange palate.

• There does not appear to be any direct causal link between loss of taste/smell and an orange mouth roof with COVID.
• The two symptoms may co-occur in some patients, but neither seems to be the cause of the other.
• Loss of taste and smell stems from the virus impacting olfactory nerve endings, while mouth roof changes result from local inflammation.
• Patients can experience orange mouth palate with full taste and smell function, or loss of taste/smell with a normal looking mouth.
• Both symptoms are believed to be effects of viral activity rather than one causing the other.

While loss of taste and smell and an orange palate roof may coincide in the same patient, they appear to develop independently due to different mechanisms of the COVID virus.

When to See a Doctor for Orange Mouth Roof

In most cases, an orange mouth palate with COVID will be mild and resolve on its own without needing medical care. However, some scenarios in which a patient should see a doctor include:

• The orange hue or associated pain worsens after the first 5-7 days of illness.
• Mouth ulcers or sores bleed significantly or appear severely infected.
• The roof of the mouth appears very irritated, swollen or feels like a burn.
• Eating and drinking becomes difficult due to severe mouth soreness.
• The discoloration does not start fading after 10-14 days.
• Other concerning symptoms develop like high fever, trouble breathing, dehydration.

Severe or worsening roof of mouth symptoms should prompt a call or visit to a doctor to rule out complications. Otherwise, mild cases can typically be managed at home with comfort measures.

Can COVID Cause Permanent Orange Staining of Mouth?

For most patients, the orange discoloration of the palate with COVID is temporary and fades as they recover. In terms of permanent orange staining or damage:

• There are no reports so far indicating COVID causes any permanent orange hue or discoloration in the mouth.
• The mouth roof inflammation and orange color appears to fully resolve after COVID illness passes in the vast majority of cases.
• Rarely, some patients may develop persistent mouth ulcers after COVID that could leave a scar.
• However, this would likely appear as white patches rather than orange staining.
• Severe infections may rarely damage nerves involved in taste, but this does not impact mouth roof color.
• Overall, permanent orange staining of the palate seems very unlikely after a typical COVID infection.

While the orange mouth roof can be painful and concerning when it occurs, patients can generally count on it being a temporary effect of COVID rather than something requiring long-term treatment.

Coping With Loss of Taste & Smell After COVID

Loss of taste and smell, also called anosmia, is one of the more peculiar symptoms that can accompany COVID-19 infection. Not being able to enjoy favorite foods or detect odors can be extremely frustrating and concerning. Here are some strategies for coping with this temporary side effect of COVID.

Be Patient

The first key is simply being patient, as anosmia is often a short-term symptom that resolves quickly. Some tips for patience include:

• Remind yourself taste and smell loss usually only lasts 1-2 weeks after COVID.
• Avoid constantly testing and retasting strong flavors hoping for return of sensation.
• Focus energy on managing other COVID symptoms and supporting recovery.
• Take comfort from the high rate of return to full taste and smell after illness passes.
• Consider keeping a symptom journal so you can track exactly when these senses start returning.

Prioritize Safety

When you lose the ability to smell, it impacts your ability to detect threats like fires, gas leaks or spoiled foods. Be vigilant about safety by:

• Installing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and gas detectors if you don't already have them.
• Diligently watching expiration dates on foods and being cautious with leftovers.
• Avoiding use of gas stoves, lighters, matches or candles until smell returns.
• Asking friends or family to smell test higher risk items like dairy, meat and leftovers.

Explore Taste Treatments

Though everything may taste bland, you can try enhancing and enjoying flavors through:

• Adding spices, herbs and seasonings to cooking.
• Using naturally strong-flavored ingredients like citrus, garlic and onions.
• Changing up food textures by adding crunchy, creamy, or spicy elements.
• Drinking cool or warm beverages to pick up traces of taste.
• Sucking on flavored hard candies or lozenges.

Consider Smell Training

There is some evidence that actively engaging your sense of smell can help retrain it as COVID smell loss improves. Strategies include:

• Taking a few intentional sniffs of fragrant spices or herbs like cinnamon, rosemary, cloves or lemon zest.
• Sniffing essential oils with distinct aromas such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender or tea tree.
• Spending time in environments with strong smells like a garden, forest or coffee shop.
• Doing a "smell workout" by sniffing groups of scents for a few minutes daily.

The goal is gently exercising your olfactory system without overdoing it. Even faint exposure to smells may help stimulate recovery.

Stay Hopeful

Remember that the vast majority of COVID patients regain full taste and smell within a few weeks. Stay positive by:

• Trusting that this disruption is temporary and taste buds will reset.
• Focusing on aromas and flavors you look forward to enjoying again.
• Sticking to bland but nutritious foods to stay nourished.
• Reassuring friends and family that your senses will quickly bounce back.
• Celebrating any small gains or subtle shifts you notice toward recovery.

With patience and self-care, most patients move quickly through COVID anosmia back to full sensory enjoyment of foods and aromas.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.