Poor oral health linked to more severe symptoms of Covid-19
New research claims that people who have poor oral health are more likely to experience severe symptoms of Covid-19.
A study published in the British Dental Journal revealed that patients who have both gum disease and Covid-19 are 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care than those who have good oral health. The same group is 4.5 times more likely to need ventilating and nine times more likely to die from Covid.
Several studies have suggested that effective oral care can reduce the risk of serious symptoms of Covid-19 and this study highlights the impact of oral health issues, notably gum disease. Gum disease poses risks for general health, as it can cause inflammation in other parts of the body through harmful bacteria travelling around the body in the bloodstream.
Gum disease is largely preventable and it is most commonly caused by a build-up of plaque linked to poor oral hygiene. In some cases, taking medication and hormonal changes can also increase the risk of gum disease. Many women find that they are more prone to developing symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy, for example.
In light of the research and previous studies linking gum disease to an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications and other systemic illnesses, health experts are urging people to take good care of their oral health. Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing and interdental brushing can help to prevent plaque formation, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
The number of people who are hospitalised with Covid has fallen as a result of the vaccination programme, but experts are eager for people to adopt additional measures to stay safe. As well as implementing a good oral hygiene routine and attending regular check-ups, frequent hand-washing, wearing masks in crowded places and staying at home if you have symptoms can all help to prevent the virus from spreading.
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