Researchers at McGill University find a strong link between periodontitis, a common form of gum disease, and severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Periodontitis produces an inflammatory response that may spread through the body — scientists have previously linked the condition to other systemic issues. People with periodontitis were 8.8 times more likely to die of COVID-19.
Individuals can reduce the risk of periodontitis by practicing strong oral hygiene. One of the more perplexing things about COVID-19 is its wide range of outcomes in people who get the disease.
A new study from researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, finds a link between gums with inflammation and infection and COVID-19 complications and deaths.
The study finds that people with periodontitis are 8.8 times more likely to die of COVID-19.
In addition, such individuals are 3.5 times more likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19 and 4.5 times more likely to require a ventilator.
“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 is a very strong correlation between periodontitis and disease outcome.”
Periodontitis is the clinical term for serious infection due to the accumulation of bacteria between the teeth and gums.
Without treatment, it can cause painful abscesses and tooth movement, damage teeth, and eat away at the underlying jawbone.
People may 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 considered as a risk factor for a number of both oral and systemic diseases.”
Scientists have also found links between the condition and heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
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There are also associations between gum disease and an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and low fetal birth rate.
Cai says, “Periodontitis causes inflammation of the gums and, if left untreated, that inflammation can spread throughout the body.”
