Periodontitis Increases Risk of Death in COVID-19 Patients
According to a team of dental researchers, COVID-19 patients who suffered from periodontitis before contracting Coronavirus are far more likely to die from respiratory failure. Their three-month study shows that patients with high levels of interleukin (IL-6), a harmful protein produced by periodontitis, are at a higher risk of suffering from life-threatening respiratory problems. The study suggests that COVID-19 patients with bad gums have a greater chance of harmful IL-6 proteins spreading to their lungs and triggering a life-threatening respiratory issue.
Shervin Molayem, DDS, a Los Angeles dental surgeon and founder of the UCLA Dental Research Journal, stated that “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.”
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients who have IL-6 levels above 80 pg/ml were 22 times more likely to suffer from respiratory problems and placed on a ventilator than those below 80 pg/ml. Coronavirus patients who suffer from respiratory failure face low odds of recovery. Since the beginning of the pandemic, almost 80% of those placed on ventilators in the U.S. have passed away.
Molayem stated, “what shocked us was the discovery of the protein’s devastating, life-threatening impact to patients once they’re hospitalized. One tiny, inflammatory protein robbed them of their ability to breathe.”
Who’s at Risk?
Elderly patients, who already face significant risks from COVID-19, are more likely to suffer from chronic gum disease than other age groups. Nursing homes and those who take care of the elderly are encouraged to implement dental screening protocols. This will help determine which patients are more susceptible to gum disease and IL-6 protein levels over 80 pg/ml. We hope that this study will encourage our patients to care for their teeth by regularly flossing and brushing and to get tested for gum disease.
In Conclusion
We hope that these findings strongly encourage those who may have gingivitis or other serious gum diseases to get their teeth and gums checked and cleaned as soon as they can. Periodontal disease is the most underdiagnosed aliment in dentistry, and we highly encourage those who think they may have it should get tested and treated.
Dr. David Corradi, president of the California Society of Periodontists, stated that “this highly relevant study demonstrates how inflammation may be associated with severe COVID-19, and it underscores the importance of being screened and treated for periodontal disease.”
If you think you may have periodontitis or want to get your teeth and gums checked, schedule an appointment with Dr. Carmichael today!
