Covid 19 and Gums
A study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, one of the most authoritative scientific journals in the world, states that those suffering from periodontitis run a higher risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2, or Covid 19.
What are coronaviruses and what is SARS-CoV-2
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause mild to moderate illnesses, from the common cold to respiratory syndromes such as MERS (Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). They are positive-stranded RNA viruses, with a crown-like appearance under the electron microscope (hence their name). Coronaviruses were identified in the mid-1960s and are known to infect humans and some animals (including birds and mammals). The primary target cells are the epithelial cells of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. To date, seven coronaviruses have been shown to be able to infect humans: common around the world, some were identified several years ago (the first in the mid-1960s) and some in the new millennium.
With so much emphasis on the negative effects of Covid 19 on your body, very little is focused on the link between oral health, Periodontitis, and Covid 19. Luckily, in our search to find ways of preventing the illness, we have discovered this link, and because of this, it is another thing we can pay attention to in our work to contain the pandemic.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an inflammation that affects the gums and surrounding tissues. It is a disorder that affects millions of people in the United States, with 15% of all adults in the US having it in severe form, with a concrete danger of tooth loss. Periodontitis is an inflammation that involves not only the gums, but also the surrounding tissues.
Covid-19 and periodontitis: the new discoveries
Recently, an important study on the effects of periodontitis in cases of Covid-19 patients was published in one of the most authoritative scientific dental journals, the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
This study conducted on 568 patients showed that in the case of Covid-19, the presence of inflamed gums increases the risk of death by about 9 times, while the probability of incurring complications increases by almost 4 times.
Why does periodontitis worsen the course of Covid-19?
The hypotheses are that the chronic inflammation generated by this disease may make subjects more susceptible to the inflammatory storm that Covid-19 unleashes. Another reason could be the high bacterial load found in the mouth of a patient with periodontitis and which could increase the likelihood of broncho-pulmonary infections.
So, how to avoid a negative course?
The answer lies in two fundamental factors: treatment and prevention. It is even more important right now to take care of the health of the mouth. If you suffer from periodontitis, continue to take care of it constantly. Follow the instructions of your dentist, do not forget periodic and daily professional hygiene. If you feel like you have inflamed gums, but you don't know if you have periodontitis, we recommend that you get expert advice by booking a periodontal visit.