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People with gum disease who catch Covid are nine more likely to die, a new study warns.
Patients with Covid-19 are three times more likely to end up in intensive care or on a ventilator if they already have periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, according to the results.
About half of the world’s population over the age of 30 suffers 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.
Covid patients on ventilators could be particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to inhale oral bacteria, scientists say.
Study co-author Prof Lior Shapira, Hebrew University, Israel, said: “The results of the study suggest that inflammation of the oral cavity could open the door to worsening of the violence of the coronavirus.
“Oral care should be part of the health recommendations to reduce the risk of serious results from COVID-19.”
The coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than 110,000 people in the UK and infected more than 3.8 million people.
The electronic health records of 568 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February and July 2020 were reviewed by the researchers.
Of these, 40 suffered complications, that is, they ended up in intensive care, on a ventilator or died.
Information on whether the patients suffered from gum disease was then collected and analyzed.
Other factors such as BMI (body mass index), asthma, heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, and smoking were also taken into account.
The chances of death of COVID patients with gum disease were 8.81 times higher than those without, the researchers found.
Likewise, the chances of ending up in intensive care or on a ventilator were 3.54 and 4.57 times higher, respectively.
Professor Shapira said: “If a causal link is established between periodontitis and increased rates of adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19, establishing and maintaining periodontal health may become a part important to the care of these patients. ”
Overall, patients with gum disease were 3.67 times more likely to experience complications from COVID, the researchers found.
Oral gum bacteria could be inhaled and infect the patient’s lungs, especially those of ventilators, the researchers said.
Professor Mariano Sanz, co-author of the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, said: “It may contribute to the deterioration of patients with COVID-19 and increase the risk of death.
“Hospital staff should identify patients with COVID-19 with periodontitis and use oral antiseptics to reduce the transmission of bacteria.”
Gum disease has been linked to other lung conditions, including asthma, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Professor Shapira said, “This study adds further evidence for links between oral health and respiratory conditions.
“Periodontitis is a common disease, but it can be prevented and treated.”
Gum disease can be prevented by maintaining good dental hygiene and eating a healthy diet.
In addition to brushing your teeth more than once a day, special mouthwashes or toothpastes can be used to reduce inflammation.
Exercising and not smoking are also important in keeping your mouth free from germs.
Professor Nicola West, University of Bristol, added: “This study highlights another association between gum disease and our systemic health and reiterates the need for continuous, lifelong dental care for those susceptible to disease. gums and a strong preventive approach to periodontitis for populations. in general.”
The results were published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
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