Gum Disease and Covid-19: The Worrying Link

People suffering from Gum disease are at risk of developing severe symptoms of Covid-19 should they catch the virus, recent research has revealed. The research suggests that inflammation associated with gum disease can be a risk factor for developing severe symptoms of Covid-19, which has placed an added emphasis on the importance of good oral hygiene.

As Covid-19 continues to cause havoc across the world, scientists continue to learn more and more about the virus. In a rather concerning development, recent studies suggest that gum disease can actually be a risk factor for developing severe symptoms of Covid-19.

We are all aware of the dangers associated with poor oral health – cavities, gum disease, bad breath etc. But something that not many people are aware of is that oral health also contributes to overall physical health. This is evidenced by the worrying link between Covid-19 and gum disease, as we will discuss.

Studies show a link between gum disease and Covid-19

Recent research from the California Dental Association Journal [LINK: http://www.mouthcovid.com/] suggests that gum disease can increase the chances of an individual developing severe symptoms from Covid-19 [1].

The study reviewed common themes across pre-existing Covid-related studies and analysed statistics on gum disease. They were able to conclude that areas associated with gum disease – such as inflammation and high plaque levels – could increase the risk of a person developing debilitating Covid-19 symptoms.

The authors determined that dental care can have a “major impact” on the overall outcome of how a patient copes with the coronavirus [1]. Inflammation appears to be a big risk factor in Covid-19, and the researchers found that inflammation in the gums can be linked to further inflammation in the body.

Another study analysed a cohort of 568 patients in Qatar, including some with mild symptoms, and some that had been hospitalised due to severe complications with Covid-19. The study found that those with severe gum disease were at least three times more likely than those without gum disease to have severe symptoms with Covid-19 [2].

It is well known that the symptoms of Covid-19 can differ significantly from person-to-person [3]. While many people have very mild symptoms that cause little disruption to their life, some people have severe symptoms that can result in hospital admission.

It isn’t entirely known why some people suffer worse than others, although certain risk factors exist that increase the chances of a person suffering badly from Covid-19. One of these risk factors, as mentioned, is gum disease. Poor oral health has also been linked to other physical health problems such as lung problems [4]. This shows just how important good oral hygiene is.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a common condition, but one that can be prevented, and at the very least, managed. Gum disease typically involves your gums becoming swollen or infected, and may also involve bleeding gums and/or bad breath.

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of a sticky, bacteria-filled substance called plaque. Plaque develops when sugary food and drink e.g., candy or soft drinks are consumed over a length of time. Plaque gradually wears down tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay, and ultimately further problems.

What can patients do?

We are fortunate in Canada to have excellent dental services readily available to us. Whether you are located in Calgary, Montreal or Vancouver, there is a wide range of dental clinics around the country.

Gum disease is preventable. It is important to adopt good oral hygiene, which is the best way to stop gum disease. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and attending regular dentist appointments.

The earlier an issue is detected, the better the chance is of successful treatment. That’s why it is so important to regularly visit the dentist, who will be able to identify any problems, and advise where necessary.

What we can offer

Here at Savanna Dental we know all about the problems facing patients with gum disease. We ensure that throughout their journey with us, our patients are kept well-informed about the condition of their gums. We offer many different services to help patients with a range of oral problems.

Calgary has many different dentists and dental clinics to choose from. When trying to find a Calgary dentist, there are many elements you may wish to consider. At a time when oral hygiene is more important than ever before, it is crucial that you select a dentist that can offer effective solutions that are tailored to your circumstances.

At our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we can offer our customers a vast array of services to help them with their oral health. In terms of gum disease, specific treatments that we offer that can help include Oral Exams, and Dental Cleanings.

Summary

Practicing good oral hygiene is more important than ever before. While the link between oral problems and physical health problems has been known for several years, this latest development involving Covid-19 places further emphasis on the importance of oral hygiene.

At Savanna Dental, we are able to provide our patients with many treatments that can aid their oral health. We would love for you to visit our website where we will be happy to help you, and answer any queries that you might have.

Sources

• [1] Molayem, S., & Cruvinel Pontes, C. (2020). The Mouth-COVID Connection: Il-6 Levels in Periodontal Disease — Potential Role in COVID-19-Related Respiratory Complications, Journa of California Dental Association, October 2020 issue.
• [2] American Academy of Periodontology. (2021). New Study Links Periodontitis and Covid-19 Complications. Available: https://www.perio.org/periodontitis_COVID-19_complications. Last accessed: 26 Mar 2021.
• [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Symptoms of Coronavirus. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Last accessed: 26 Mar 2021.
• [4] Muthu, J., Muthanandam, S., & Mahendra, J. (2016). Mouth the mirrors of lungs: where does the connection lie?. Frontiers of Medicine, 10(1), p405-409.