COVID-19 and Gums
Every day the medical community learns more about COVID-19 and the detrimental associations of the virus. Recently, researchers reported that gum disease may be associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes and other medical conditions. To better understand how gum disease may be associated with COVID-19, it is first important to understand what gum disease is and how it can be linked to complications in the body. Below is more information on gum disease and its connection with other health complications.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a very common oral health disease that affects the gum tissue and the bones surrounding the teeth. More than 75% of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease. In the early stages, gum disease will cause irritated and sore gums that may bleed from time to time. As the condition advances it can lead to severe tooth decay and even tooth loss. The primary cause of gum disease is allowing bacteria and plaque to build up on the gums. If left untreated this plaque will attack the gums and bones of the mouth. The best way to reduce the risk of gum disease is to brush and floss daily and maintain regular dental visits.
Gum Disease and the Body
Recent scientific evidence suggests that gum disease may be linked with other health conditions. This possible association between gum disease and health may be bidirectional, meaning the influence may go both ways. For example, gum disease is more prevalent in patients with diabetes and the inflammation caused by gum disease may make it harder to control diabetes. Research has linked gum disease to several other diseases including:
- Cardiovascular disease(heart attacks and stoke)
- Pulmonary disease
- Pre-term delivery of babies with low birth weight babies
- Cancers (kidney and pancreatic)
Gum Disease and COVID-19
A body’s response to a bacterial infection in the gums is through inflammation. Recently, researchers have hypothesized that pre-existing gum disease may contribute to worse COVID-19 outcomes. If gum disease is more advanced, the infected pockets in the gums can allow inflammatory products to enter the gums and enter into the bloodstream, potentially causing damage elsewhere in the body. A recent study published in the Journal of the California Dental Association reported that hospitalized COVID-19 patients who had prior underlying gum disease were at a higher risk for worse hospital outcomes, including respiratory failure. The study suggests that patients with more severe gum disease, such as chronic periodontitis, may have higher levels of inflammation in the body, and this inflammation may contribute to more damage to the lung tissue.
Fighting Gum Disease
Fortunately, gum disease is preventable and reversible. If you have noticed you have puffy or swollen gums that bleed lightly when you brush your teeth, you may have gingivitis, or the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can be reversed, and the gum tissue can be repaired if caught early and treated. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dental provider will be able to help you find the right treatment to return your gums to good health.