Gum Disease and COVID-19: What You Need to Know
With millions of cases all across the United States, COVID-19 is certainly not going away. How does this correlate to your dental health? According to a recent study published by The Journal of Clinical Periodontology, there is a connection between patients with gum disease and their COVID-19 symptoms.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection caused by poor dental hygiene. Patients with gum disease have bacteria in their gums that cause inflammation, pain, and discomfort. The bacteria from gum disease, if left untreated, can also spread into your bloodstream.
COVID-19 patients with gum disease showed significantly higher blood markers that indicate inflammation. Studies show that the correlation between these blood markers and symptoms likely mean that the inflammation from gum disease may have a hand in COVID-19 complications.
COVID-19 and Gum Disease Statistics
The study of 500 patients found that those with gum disease, compared to those without, are:
- 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care
- 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator
- Could be 9 times more likely to die from COVID-19
How To Prevent Gum Disease
In addition to social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands regularly to avoid COVID-19, it is important to prevent gum disease. Patients can prevent gum disease by
- seeing their dental professional for a cleaning and check up every 3-6 month, or as recommended by their dentist.
- Brushing their teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes or more
- Flossing to remove plaque from between your teeth
- Using mouthwash
- Quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco
- Eating balanced meals and exercising
- Reducing stress
- Managing stress
Stay Safe with Dental365
You can visit any of our Dental365 locations in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey to talk about gum disease prevention. Contact us at (844) 365-DENTAL for more information or to schedule an appointment.
