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The world is still facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists are conducting research to explain why some people are asymptomatic, while others have to be hospitalized or even ventilated. It may be related to the oral cavity.
- The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been studied enough for scientists to say that they know everything about it
- This, in turn, means that despite intensive research, many questions still remain unanswered
- The latest research shows that the condition of the oral cavity, especially the gums, may affect the course of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The relationship seems strong
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
Periodontitis and the severe course of COVID-19
Scientists at McGill University have conducted studies that show that periodontitis may be strongly associated with the severity of the disease caused by COVID-19. Periodontitis is a relatively common form of gum disease. In Canada, according to researchers, it affects 7 out of 10 people in a lifetime. Wenji Cai, co-author of the report, even described it as a “silent pandemic”.
- See also: Which dental treatments are worth doing at the National Health Fund? Here are the dentist’s recommendations
Studies have shown that people with periodontitis are 8,8 times more likely to die from COVID-19 infection. The risk of hospitalization in the course of the disease increases by 3,5 times. It is also more than four times more likely that they will need to be placed under a respirator.
Periodontitis is a form of inflammation, which means the body is fighting disease. This, in turn, could explain why COVID-19 is severe in these patients.
– In patients with severe COVID-19, the virus causes a reaction that can lead to complications such as intubation and even death. Our study shows that periodontitis can exacerbate this, explained Wenji Cai.
Dr.Faleh Tamimi explained in an interview with Medical News Today, in his opinion, periodontitis makes the patient begin the fight against COVID-19, which is already inflamed. This, in turn, puts such patients in a disadvantageous position – their bodies are more susceptible to infection.
It is not only periodontitis that can affect the severe course of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Research by scientists from the University of Birmingham also highlights the build-up of plaque. When the gums are not healthy, they allow pathogenic germs to enter the bloodstream.
The oral environment is an excellent breeding ground for the virus, the researchers explain. – Saliva is a reservoir of SARS-CoV-2, therefore any violation of the immune defense in the mouth facilitates the entry of the coronavirus into the bloodstream through the gingival groove or periodontal pocket. From the blood vessels in the gums, the virus travels through the veins in the neck and chest to the heart, and then is pumped into the pulmonary arteries and into the small vessels at the periphery of the lungs.
- The editorial board recommends: Five dental procedures that are better to be done privately than at the National Health Fund
Proper oral hygiene – how to care for your teeth?
Not one, but several studies show an association between the severe course of COVID-19 and dental disease. Meanwhile, caries, tartar, but also gum and periodontal diseases concern a large part of the society. Therefore, during the coronavirus pandemic, healthy teeth should be on the priority list. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after each meal. An important element of daily hygiene is also cleaning the interdental spaces with dental floss. In turn, using mouthwashes can help disinfect – that’s how we get rid of bacteria and viruses.
– Simple treatments such as careful tooth brushing and interdental cleaning to prevent plaque build-up, as well as special rinses, and even just rinsing with saline water to reduce gingivitis can help lower the risk of a severe worsening COVID-19, researchers from the University of Birmingham write.
Hygiene itself is not enough, however. Even if the teeth do not hurt, it is necessary to visit the dentist’s office regularly. We should go to such an inspection at least once a year. It is also a good time to remove tartar (especially as it can be done under the National Health Fund once every 12 months). And if tooth decay or gum disease develops, it’s not worth postponing treatment. Oral diseases affect the entire body.
Also read:
- Myocarditis after the Pfizer vaccine? Israel is investigating
- The doctor explains why so many Poles die of COVID-19
- Do you have these symptoms after vaccination? Contact your doctor
- Current vaccination schedule. When is your turn?
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