Your oral health can play a key role in the fight against COVID-19. A recent study by the Hebrew University, Israel found that patients with gum disease are nine times more likely to die from the bug, according to new research.
This study investigated the relationship between periodontitis and COVID-19 complications. In addition, Covid-19 patients are three times more likely to end up in intensive care or on a ventilator if they already suffer from periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease, according to their findings. It is worth noting that almost half the world’s population over 30 suffer from periodontitis, which causes swelling in and around the gums.If not treated properly, the inflammation can spread throughout the body and infect the lungs.
The study co-author Professor Lior Shapira, of the Hebrew University, Israel, said: “The results of the study suggest that the inflammation in the oral cavity may open the door to the coronavirus becoming more violent. “Oral care should be part of the health recommendations to reduce the risk for severe Covid-19 outcomes.”
The study, which was conducted in Qatar, included 568 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February and July 2020.Of those, 40 had complications — including admission to the ICU, being placed on a ventilator, or death — and 528 did not.
Professor Shapira said: “If a causal link is established between periodontitis and increased rates of adverse outcomes in Covid-19 patients, then establishing and maintaining periodontal health may become an important part of the care of these patients.” Overall, patients with gum disease were 3.67 times more likely to suffer from Covid complications, the researchers found.
“This study adds further evidence to the links between oral health and respiratory conditions. Periodontitis is a common disease but can be prevented and treated,” Shapira said.
The Team at Altura Periodontics has been serving Denver with professional dental implants and periodontics for over 30 years. Contact Us to schedule an appointment.