COVID 19 and Gums
In a new study, scientists have linked poor dental health to severe forms of Covid-19. Periodontitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue, could be responsible for serious respiratory complications in patients affected by the virus.
Since the start of the Covid-19 epidemic, a lot of research has been done to understand why some patients develop acute forms of the disease. According to a recent study, published in the Journal of the California Dental Association, periodontitis could cause serious complications in patients infected with the virus.
An inflammatory protein responsible for respiratory complications
Periodontitis is inflammation of the gum tissue and underlying bone tissue. If left untreated, this pathology can cause loosening of the teeth or even permanent loss. When a patient has periodontitis, their system produces large amounts of interleukin-6 or IL-6, an inflammatory protein, to defend against infection.
According to the authors of this new study, a high level of IL-6 can lead to respiratory failure. In particular, they noticed that patients with Covid-19 had high levels of IL-6: this protein could therefore increase the risk of respiratory complications in patients infected with the coronavirus.
In wake of this new study, taking care of your teeth and gums and avoiding gum disease is now more important than ever.
What are the causes of gum disease?
Dental plaque is the main culprit in gum disease. Among the first signs that should alert you: bleeding gums should be taken very seriously. This is a first sign of inflammation of the gums with red, swollen gums. It is a reversible process that can be treated and it is thus possible to regain a normal state of the gums.
If this gingivitis is not treated well, the bacteria in dental plaque will cause more serious diseases with irreversible damage (in the most severe cases, we will speak of periodontitis, a disease that can lead to the loss of teeth). It affects more than a quarter of the population.
Although poor plaque removal is the most common cause, there are other possible causes (hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, heredity, stress, and the use of tobacco and alcohol).
What are the solutions for healthy gums?
The one key word here is prevention. Prevention is the best way to keep your gums as healthy as possible and to avoid complications from gum disease.
- At least once a year gum care is recommended. In patients with periodontal problems (loosening of the teeth, bleeding gums, swelling of the gums) it is advisable to consult and have this treatment carried out 3 times a year
- Brushing your teeth after each meal is effective in removing plaque and all bacteria that are toxic to your gums
- Daily use of dental floss and brushes
- Certain Mouthwashes can also be used in addition and provide protection in agreement with your dentist
How to treat the gums?
In cases of mild inflammation, scaling (above the gums) performed by your dentist is sufficient. In the most severe cases (periodontitis): root planing (in-depth treatment) is required. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. With an X-ray assessment, your dentist will remove all traces of tartar and therefore bacteria and toxins. In rare cases, treatment with antibiotics or even surgery may be necessary.