Can Gum Disease Increase Your Risk of Severe COVID-19 Complications?

Over the past few months, you’ve been doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by following guidelines like social distancing and wearing a face mask. In fact, you hardly leave the house at all. That is, until your gums started bleeding. You visited your dentist, who told you that you have gum disease in Wall Township and prescribed treatment right away. While gum disease might seem like only a minor infection, the truth is that it can have dangerous consequences if left untreated. A recent study suggests that the condition can actually increase your risk of developing serious complications of COVID-19. Keep reading below to learn about this link and how you can reduce your risk.

How Gum Disease and COVID-19 Are Connected

A study conducted by Dr. Shervin Molayem, an oral surgeon, was recently published in the California Dental Association Journal. This study links the severe inflammation that is characteristic of gum disease with more serious COVID-19 complications.

When you have gum disease, bacteria form pockets between your gums and teeth, allowing them access to the rest of your body via your bloodstream. These bacteria can spread a harmful inflammatory protein called IL-6. High levels of IL-6 drastically increase the risk of respiratory complications when exposed to infections like COVID-19.

That’s not the only connection between the two conditions. Advanced gum disease has been previously linked to other medical problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which can increase the risk of COVID-29 mortality.

Due to this pandemic, preventing gum disease has never been more important.

How You Can Reduce Your Risk

For the most part, gum disease is entirely avoidable if you take good care of your mouth. Brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily go a long way in preventing harmful bacteria from building up. Abstaining from using tobacco products and limiting sugary foods and drinks can also help greatly.

Regular dental checkups play a major role in keeping your teeth and gums free of infection. While you might understandably be worried about whether it’s safe to visit the dentist, rest assured that it is. Even before the pandemic, dental offices were some of the cleanest places you could be. These days, dentists are taking even greater precautions to ensure your safety during your appointments.

In addition to social distancing, maintaining a diligent oral hygiene routine can minimize your risk of developing serious complications if you catch COVID-19. For more tips on how to keep your mouth healthy, contact your dentist.

About the Author

Dr. Ken Wilhalme is a dentist in Wall Township, NJ whose career spans nearly 35 years. He takes the time to listen to and address his patients’ concerns at every appointment. His practice has implemented several new protocols to ensure the safety of his patients during COVID-19. To learn more about how you can lower your risk of infections like gum disease, visit his website or call 732-223-9199.