Recent studies have shown a connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and the Corona Virus which would indicate that regularly scheduled exams and teeth cleanings are now more important than ever. It seems that not only is it important to cover your mouth, it’s also important for your mouth to be healthy in order to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
The latest research and report, titled “The Mouth COVID Connection” (MCC), found a shocking link between the bacteria produced by swollen, red, bleeding gums and bone loss and COVID-19, which has claimed more than 650,000 lives and continues to baffle infection disease experts.
What You Should Know
The study found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high levels of IL-6 (Interleukin), a harmful protein produced by gum disease, were at significantly greater risk of suffering life-threatening respiratory complications. The MCC study suggests that COVID-19 patients with bad gums are at risk of generating harmful levels of IL-6 proteins that spread to their lungs and when combined with the COVID-19 virus, can trigger a life-threatening respiratory crisis.
MCC researchers describe the IL-6 protein as the chemical culprit that makes COVID-19 deadly. Produced by gum disease bacteria, the protein enters the bloodstream, often in large amounts, causing inflammation throughout the body but dealing a particularly devastating blow to lungs infected with COVID-19. One tiny, inflammatory protein robbed them of their ability to breathe!
Preventing Periodontitis
Gum disease is usually painless and slow to progress, so it can easily reach an advanced stage before you notice anything wrong.
The daily removal of plaque through brushing and flossing as well as scheduling regular dental appointments for professional teeth cleaning are the best ways to minimize your risk for gum disease. Depending on your oral health condition, our dentist can design a personalized program of home oral care and scheduled teeth cleanings to help you prevent periodontitis.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Call us today at (915) 921-6200 or visit our Contact Us page to send us a message. Our professional dental staff is highly knowledgeable in gum disease prevention which has become more important now than ever in the face of the Coronavirus.
