The connection between oral health and the overall health of the body should not be disregarded. Many strong links have been established between oral health and medical problems including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Bacteria that are found in the mouth can impact respiratory problems, also.
In Germany, a three-month study was performed that looked into patients who had been hospitalized with COVID-19. They discovered that patients who had gum disease (periodontitis) had a significantly greater risk of life-threatening respiratory failure than those who had healthy mouths.
This life-threatening condition is assumed to be to be caused by IL-6 (interleukin), a harmful protein that is produced by periodontitis. Interleukin spreads from the mouth into the lungs where it causes respiratory ailments.
According to Shervin Molayem, DDS, founder of the UCLA Dental Research Journal, “Gum disease has been linked to other breathing ailments, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so we weren't surprised to find a link to respiratory problems with COVID-19.”
Molayem says, “what shocked us was the discovery of the protein's devastating, life-threatening impact on patients once they're hospitalized. One tiny, inflammatory protein robbed them of their ability to breathe.”
You can find out more about these findings in The Mouth-COVID Connection from the California Dental Association.
During COVID-19, having a healthy mouth and gums is more crucial than ever. Make certain you have your regular exam and cleaning scheduled with Dr. Zeva and contact us if you find any of the symptoms of periodontal disease.
Links:
Article
The Mouth-COVID Connection - California Dental Association
http://www.mouthcovidconnection.com/
Gum disease symptoms
https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-symptoms.htm
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