Gum disease linked to severe COVID-19 outcomes
- Researchers at McGill University locate a strong link between periodontitis, a common type of gum disease, and extreme COVID-19 outcomes.
- Periodontitis produces an inflammatory response that may spread through your body - scientists have previously linked the condition to other systemic issues.
- People who have periodontitis were 8.8 times much more likely to die of COVID-19.
- Individuals can decrease the risk of periodontitis by practicing strong oral hygiene.
One of the most perplexing reasons for having COVID-19 is its wide selection of outcomes in persons who get the condition. A fresh study from researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, finds a connection between gums with inflammation and infection and COVID-19 issues and deaths.
The study finds that persons with periodontitis are 8.8 times much more likely to die of COVID-19.
In addition, such individuals are 3.5 times much more likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19 and 4.5 times much more likely to need a ventilator.
Contributing author Prof. Belinda Nicolau of McGill’s Faculty of Dentistry tells McGill Newsroom:
“Looking at the conclusions of our study, we can highlight the importance of good oral health in the prevention and management of COVID-19 complications. There exists a very strong correlation between periodontitis and disease outcome.”
About periodontitis
Periodontitis is the clinical term for serious illness as a result of accumulation of bacteria between your teeth and gums. Without treatment, it can cause painful abscesses and tooth movement, damage teeth, and eat away at the underlying jawbone.
People might be able to prevent periodontitis with good oral hygiene, including daily flossing, brushing, and maintaining a schedule of regular dental examinations.
According to co-author McGill Ph.D. student Wenji Cai, “Periodontitis has been regarded as a risk factor for several both oral and systemic diseases.” Scientists have also found links between your condition and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
Source: post.medicalnewstoday.com
