Anosmia and ageusia

Sir, loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) are symptoms that were identified in COVID-19 patients at the early stage of illness.¹ These symptoms may last from a few days to few weeks and may be associated with continuous viral shedding.²

Dental professionals should be aware that the continuous impairment of olfactory and gustatory functions after 14 days of quarantine and onset of the symptoms may indicate incomplete recovery, that a recently recovered COVID-19 patient may still be carrying the viral load and risk of virus transmission should not be excluded. With such an hypothesis in mind, it is recommended to postpone dental treatment of a recently recovered COVID-19 patient who still suffers from these persistent symptoms until complete resolution.