[ad_1]
Brushing teeth regularly and maintaining proper oral care can play an important role in the fight against COVID-19 – since patients with gum disease are nine times more likely to die from the virus, according to a news report research.
A study of more than 500 patients also found that people with gum disease were 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care and 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator. , reported Medical Xpress.
CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In addition, coronavirus patients with poor gum health are at least three times more likely to experience complications, according to the study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
Blood markers indicating inflammation in the body were significantly higher in patients with gum disease, suggesting that inflammation may account for the high complication rates.
“Study results suggest inflammation in the oral cavity may open the door to increased violence from the coronavirus,” said study co-author Professor Lior Shapira of Hebrew University in Israel.
“Oral care should be part of the health recommendations to reduce the risk of serious consequences from COVID-19,” added Shapira, president-elect of the European Federation of Periodontology.
Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that affects up to half of all adults worldwide, can spread throughout the body if left untreated – and COVID-19 is associated with a response inflammatory disease which can be fatal.
The study, which was conducted in Qatar, included 568 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February and July 2020.
Of these, 40 had complications – including ICU admission, ventilator placement, or death – and 528 did not.
Other factors, including body mass index, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure and smoking, have also been considered in complications of COVID-19. Data has also been obtained on the blood levels of chemicals linked to inflammation in the body.
The chances of death of COVID-19 patients with gum disease were 8.81 times higher than others, while the chances of ending up in intensive care or on a ventilator were 3.54 and 4, respectively, 57 times higher.
“If a causal link is established between periodontitis and increased rates of adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients, establishing and maintaining periodontal health may become an important part of the care of these patients,” said wrote the authors.
Professor Mariano Sanz of Complutense University in Madrid, Spain, one of the authors, said oral bacteria in patients with periodontitis can be inhaled and infect the lungs.
“This 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,” said he declared.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Shapira said the link between periodontitis and lung disease, including asthma, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is well established.
“This study adds further evidence of links between oral health and respiratory conditions. Periodontitis is a common disease but can be prevented and treated,” Shapira said.
[ad_2]
Source link