Gum Diseases and Covid 19

 GUM DISEASES AND COVID19

New research suggests a deadly link between gum disease and COVID-19

Emerging research has suggested a there’s a connection between gum disease and SARS-CoV-2, according to a new report, “The Mouth COVID Connection (MCC).” 

The study found that hospitalized coronavirus patients with prior underlying gum disease are more likely to suffer respiratory failure. The MCC study found a link between the bacteria produced by swollen, red, bleeding gums, and bone loss—symptoms of chronic periodontitis—and COVID-19. 

Researchers found that 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 problems. A similar study in Germany tested COVID-19 patients for the IL-6 protein while they were hospitalized and determined that these patients were in critical condition and needed a ventilator to breathe.

The study suggests that patients with bad gums are at risk of generating harmful levels of IL-6 proteins that spread to their lungs. When combined with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it can trigger a life-threatening respiratory crisis.

COVID-19 patients with gum disease IL-6 levels above 80pg/ml are 22 times more likely to suffer from acute respiratory problems and placed on a ventilator compared to patients with IL-6 levels below 80pg/ml. MCC researches urge anyone concerned if they have gingivitis or any serious gum disease to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

Elderly patients—particularly those with immune-compromising, underlying conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease—are more likely to succumb to life-threatening COVID-19 emergencies, including respiratory failure. MCC researchers say the same demographic is more likely to suffer from chronic gum disease than any other age or demographic.

If you’re worried that you may have gum disease, for more on gum disease

https://dentalclinic-palarivattom.blogspot.com/2020/08/how-to-identify-gum-disease.html?m=1

by,DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.