THE COVID CONNECTION: How Leaving Gum Disease Untreated May Be Increasing Your Risk of Covid-19 Complications
GUM DISEASE, commonly known as Periodontal Disease, encompasses Gingivitis and Periodontitis. It is a bacterial infection involving the gums and oftentimes, the bone that surrounds a tooth.
Gum diseases can affect just one tooth or many teeth and Gingivitis can lead to Periodontitis if not treated.
PERIODONTITIS and the COVID CONNECTION
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that it is estimated affects 50% of the population at a mild or moderate level and 10% by the severe form of the disease. It is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases. BUT! If diagnosed and treated in a timely manner and with maintenance and proper oral hygiene, the damage caused by periodontitis can be stopped!
Periodontitis is the 6th most common condition affecting humanity and has long been linked with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even premature mortality.
Periodontitis is now being researched with regards to its connection to Covid-19. Specifically, the link between patients with pre-existing periodontitis and the increased risk of ICU admission, the need for assisted ventilation and ultimately, the death of patients who also acquire Covid-19.
Periodontitis in its moderate to severe forms has been identified as placing patients with Covid-19 at a much higher risk of Covid complications.
PERIODONTITIS and COVID COMPLICATIONS
A recent study has shown that in excess of 80% of ALL PATIENTS WHO HAD COVID COMPLICATIONS HAD PERIODONTITIS, in comparison to only 43% of those without Covid-19 complications. While continued research needs to be conducted to assess just how strong the correlation is between Periodontitis and Covid complications, these initial findings demonstrate an extraordinarily compelling link between Periodontitis and Covid-19.
COMBATTING COVID in the UK
Since China reported its first cases to the World Health Organization in December of 2019, Covid-19 has been reported by authorities in 219 countries and territories. Thus far, 108.5 million cases have been reported and of those there have been 2.4 million deaths.
There is no disputing that Covid’s impact is on a global scale.
Covid shows no sign of going anywhere soon. The new variants have emerged and are rapidly spreading. Whilst we have become better at adapting to life with its presence by wearing masks, adhering to social distancing and frequent hand-washing, it has altered each and every one of us and changed how we lead our daily lives.
Here in the UK, we have been trying to implement positive and proactive practices. Whilst also paying closer attention to our stress and anxiety levels, which when elevated for prolonged periods of time are known to weaken immunity. We have become more adept at our nutritional nourishment and where possible, choosing nutrient and vitamin rich foods and taking a daily supplement or multi-vitamin to boost our immunity; and placing more focus on Self Care.
Get Proactive with Pure Periodontics – How We Can Help
Now, it’s more important than ever to be proactive about your periodontal health! Whether you’re currently undergoing periodontal treatment with us or are worried about your gum health, Pure Periodontics, London’s premier multi-award winning specialist periodontics practice is here to help. To find out more about treating gum disease please call us to speak to our friendly team or fill out our contact form.